In considering whether to open a new branch the city council examined the number of times some typical residents went to the library last month

1(8)
2(4)
3(3)
4(2)
How many people are there in all

There were a total of 17 residents who visited the library last month.

1(8) + 2(4) + 3(3) + 4(2) = 8 + 8 + 9 + 8 = 17 residents.