Answer: The approximate economic growth rate during the period is 2.74%.
Explanation: The economic growth rate above was calculated by this formula: (current year's real GDP - previous year's real GDP) / Previous year's real GDP. That is, ($8,742 - $8,509) / $8,509 = 0.02738. Expressed as a percentage, would approximately be 2.74%.
The real GDP is an inflation-adjusted GDP and a consistent measurement of GDP unlike the nominal GDP.
The real GDP is more relevant for economic decision making like inflation control, fiscal policies, etc.