Question

China's average population growth (per year) in the 60s was about 1.94%, in the 70s about 1.78% and in the 80s about 1.43%. Which of the following is true? (Multiple solutions can be selected.)

a. The average yearly population growth over the three decades was 1.7164%, since (1.0194 x 1.0178 x 1.0143)1/3 ~ 1.017164
b. The average yearly population growth over the three decades was 1.7029%, since (1.94 x 1.78 x 1.43)1/3 ~ 1.7029
c. The average yearly population growth over the three decades was about
d. The average yearly population growth over the three decades was about 1.7167%, since 1.94 +1.78 +1.43 3 1.7166..
e. The average yearly population growth over the three decades was about 1.6887%, since 3 1.6887 1 1.94 + 1.78 1 + 1.43
f. The average yearly population growth over the three decades was about 1.7162%, since 3 + 1.0178 + 1.7162 1 1.0194 1 1.0143
g. Over the 30 years, the total population increased by about 66% since 1.01700 ~ 1.66
h. Over the 30 years, the total population increased by a factor of about 80,000 since 1.730 ~ 8.2 million

Answer 1

The correct average yearly population growth rate over the three decades in China is about 1.7167%, which is obtained by calculating the arithmetic mean of the given percentages. This makes option d the correct answer, while other options with incorrect calculations are not accurate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question is about calculating the average yearly population growth over the three decades (the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s) in China. To find the average of percentage growth rates for these decades, you simply calculate the arithmetic mean of the given percentages. The percentages should be used as they are without converting them into multipliers. The calculation would be as follows:

(1.94% + 1.78% + 1.43%) / 3 = 5.15% / 3 = 1.7167% approximately

Therefore, the correct average yearly population growth rate over the three decades is about 1.7167%, making option d the right selection. It is also important to note that we should not use multipliers to compute the average growth rate. The options suggesting the use of multipliers (like option a) or other incorrect methods (like option b) are not accurate. Additionally, it is incorrect to estimate the total growth over the 30 years using an average annual growth (option g), as it would require compound growth calculations.