Final answer:
The average annual growth rate of the world population between 1960 and 2000 was approximately 1.75%, calculated using the rule of 70.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves finding the average percentage growth rate of the world population over a period of 40 years, from 1960 to 2000. To calculate the average annual growth rate when the population has doubled, the rule of 70 can be applied. The rule of 70 is a way to estimate the number of years it takes for a quantity to double, given a particular annual growth rate. The formula is doubling time (in years) = 70 / annual growth rate (in percent).
Since the population doubled from 1960 to 2000, we have a doubling time of 40 years. Applying the rule of 70, we can find the average growth rate as follows:
• Doubling time = 70 / annual growth rate
• 40 = 70 / annual growth rate
• Annual growth rate = 70 / 40
• Annual growth rate = 1.75%
This calculation shows that the average annual growth rate of the world population from 1960 to 2000 was approximately 1.75%.