Question

Approximately 3 out of every 25 Americans live in California. About 3 out of every 50 Americans live in Ne

York, and about 2 out of every 25 Americans live in Texas.
a.
Which state has the largest population?

Answer 1

California has the largest population out of the three.

Explanation:

We would first start by showing the proportions.

California: 3/25

New York: 3/50

Texas: 2/25

You would have to find the least common denominator (in this case, 50) to accurately compare it.

So, if we wanted to convert California's ratio to one with a denominator of 50, we would multiply both sides by 2.

(3*2)/(25*2)

= 6/50.

Now, we can do the same with Texas' population.

(2*2)/(25*2)

= 4/50

Seeing that 3/50 < 4/50 < 6/50, the population of New York would be less than the population of Texas, which is in turn less than the population of California.

Therefore, California has the largest population.