Question

"Solve the problem of exponential growth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the United States in 2010 was 308 million. This is a 9.6% increase over the 2000 count. Assuming this continued what would the population be in 2030?"

Answer 1

370 million

Explanation:

In the 10 years from 2000 to 2010, the population was multiplied by the factor ...

100% + 9.6% = 109.6% = 1.096

In the next 20 years from 2010 to 2030, the population will be multiplied by that factor twice, if it grows at the same rate:

2030 population = (308 million)·(1.096²) ≈ 370 million

Answer 2

370 million

Explanation:

In the 10 years from 2000 to 2010, the population was multiplied by the factor ...

100% + 9.6% = 109.6% = 1.096

In the next 20 years from 2010 to 2030, the population will be multiplied by that factor twice, if it grows at the same rate:

2030 population = (308 million)·(1.096²) ≈ 370 million