Question

The population of a city has increased by 15% since it was last measured. If the current population is 52,900 what was the previous population?

A. 45,000
B. 46,000
C. 47,000
D. 48,000

Answer 1

To find the previous population of the city before a 15% increase that resulted in a current population of 52,900, divide by 1.15 to get 46,000. The correct option is option (B).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves calculating the previous population of a city given its current population and the percentage increase. To find the original population, we assume the current population is 115% of the original (since it has increased by 15%). Using the following formula:

Original Population = Current Population / (1 + Percentage Increase)

We can calculate:

Original Population = 52,900 / 1.15

Original Population = 46,000

Therefore, the previous population of the city was 46,000 (Option B).