Question

The population of Plankville was 12,500 people in 1950. In 2000, the population was 250,000. Find the average rate of increase over this period of time.

a) 10,625 people per year
b) 10,750 people per year
c) 10,875 people per year
d) 11,000 people per year

Answer 1

The average annual rate of increase of Plankville's population over the 50-year period is 4,750 people per year. This is found by dividing the total increase in population (237,500 people) by the number of years (50), which does not match any of the options provided in the question.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking to find the average rate of increase of the population of Plankville over a 50-year period. To calculate this, we must first determine the total increase in population, then divide that increase by the number of years over which the population grew.

The total increase in population from 1950 to 2000 is:

Population in 2000 - Population in 1950 = 250,000 - 12,500 = 237,500 people.

Now, we calculate the number of years over which this increase occurred:

2000 - 1950 = 50 years

Finally, we find the average annual rate of increase by dividing the total population increase by the number of years:

237,500 people / 50 years = 4,750 people per year

This result is not listed in the options provided, indicating there might be a mistake in the question or the answer choices. However, the formula and methodology provided here are correct for calculating the average annual growth rate.