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The population of Austin, Texas from 1850 to 2010 is summarized in the table below.

Year 1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 2010
Population 629 4428 14,575 29,860 53,120 132,459 251,808 494,290 790,390
Over which period of time was the average rate of change in population the greatest?

1850 to 1910
1990 to 2010
1950 to 1970
1890 to 1970

The population of Austin, Texas from 1850 to 2010 is summarized in the table below-example-1
User Riklund
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1 Answer

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The greatest average rate of change in population occurred over the period from 1850 to 1910, with an average rate of change of approximately 487.18.

How to determine over which period of time the average rate of change in population was the greatest

To determine over which period of time the average rate of change in population was the greatest, calculate the average rate of change for each period and compare them.

The average rate of change can be calculated by dividing the change in population by the number of years in the period.

Let's calculate the average rate of change for each period:

1850 to 1910:

Population change = 29,860 - 629 = 29,231

Years = 1910 - 1850 = 60

Average rate of change = Population change / Years = 29,231 / 60 ≈ 487.18

1990 to 2010:

Population change = 790,390 - 494,290 = 296,100

Years = 2010 - 1990 = 20

Average rate of change = Population change / Years = 296,100 / 20 = 14,805

1950 to 1970:

Population change = 251,808 - 132,459 = 119,349

Years = 1970 - 1950 = 20

Average rate of change = Population change / Years = 119,349 / 20 = 5,967.45

1890 to 1970:

Population change = 251,808 - 14,575 = 237,233

Years = 1970 - 1890 = 80

Average rate of change = Population change / Years = 237,233 / 80 = 2,965.41

Based on the calculations, the greatest average rate of change in population occurred over the period from 1850 to 1910, with an average rate of change of approximately 487.18. Therefore, the answer is "1850 to 1910."

User Shagglez
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