Question

In 2003, the population of an African country was about 19.5 million people, which is 2 million more than 5 times the population in 1950. Enter and solve an equation to find the approximate population p (in millions) in 1950.

Answer 1

`P = 3.5\ million`

Explanation:

Given

Represent 1950 Population with P and 2003 Population with Q

`Q = 19.5\ million`

Required

Determine the value of P

From the question; we have that

`Q = 2\ million + 5 * P`

Substitute 19.5 million for Q

`19.5\ million = 2\ million + 5 * P`

Subtract 2 million from both sides

`19.5\ million - 2\ million= 2\ million - 2\ million + 5 * P`

`19.5\ million - 2\ million= 5 * P`

`17.5\ million = 5 * P`

Divide both sides by 5

`(17.5\ million)/(5) = (5 * P)/(5)`

`(17.5\ million)/(5) = P`

`3.5\ million = P`

`P = 3.5\ million`

Hence, the 1950 population is 3.5 million