Question

A city's population in the year x = 1953 was y = 631200. In 1959 the population was 631800. Compute the slope of the population growth (or decline) and choose the most accurate statement from the following: - The population is increasing at a rate of 250 people per year. - The population is decreasing at a rate of 450 people per year. - The population is increasing at a rate of 450 people per year. - The population is increasing at a rate of 200 people per year. - The population is decreasing at a rate of 250 people per year. - The population is decreasing at a rate of 200 people per year.

Answer 1

To compute the slope of the population growth, we can use the formula for calculating the slope between two points (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂):

Slope (m) = (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁)

Given:

Population in 1953 (x₁) = 1953

Population in 1959 (x₂) = 1959

Population in 1953 (y₁) = 631200

Population in 1959 (y₂) = 631800

Now, plug these values into the slope formula:

Slope (m) = (631800 - 631200) / (1959 - 1953)

Slope (m) = 600 / 6

Slope (m) = 100

So, the slope of the population growth is 100 people per year.

Now, let's choose the most accurate statement from the options provided:

The population is increasing at a rate of 250 people per year. (Incorrect)

The population is decreasing at a rate of 450 people per year. (Incorrect)

The population is increasing at a rate of 450 people per year. (Incorrect)

The population is increasing at a rate of 200 people per year. (Incorrect)

The population is decreasing at a rate of 250 people per year. (Incorrect)

The population is decreasing at a rate of 200 people per year. (Incorrect)

The correct statement is:

The population is increasing at a rate of 100 people per year.

So, the most accurate statement is that the population is increasing at a rate of 100 people per year.

Explanation: