In 2003, the population of an african country was about 8.8 million people, which is 2 million more than 4 times the population in 1950.
enter and solve an equation to find the approximate population p (in millions) in 1950.
an equation is =
the approximate population in 1950 was million people.

Translate

8.8  million (8.8 million) people was (=) 2 milllion more than (2milion+) 4 times the population in 1950 (4x where x is population)

so the equation could be

8.8mil=2mil+4x

to solve
minus 2mil both sides
6.8mil=4x
divide both sides by 4
1.7mil=x

an equation is 8.8million=2million+4x

the aproximate popoulartion in 1950 was 1.7 milion