Question

In 2003, the population of an African country was about 7.8 million people, which is 1 million more than 4 times the population in 1950. Enter and solve an equation to find the approximate population p (in millions) in 1950.

Answer 1

The country's population in 1950 is 1700000

Explanation:

Given

Let the population in 2003 be q

Let the population in 1950 be p

`q = 7800000`

Required

Determine the value of p

From the question, the equation becomes:

`q = 1000000 + 4 * p`

`q = 1000000 + 4p`

Substitute 7800000 for q

`7800000 = 1000000 + 4p`

Collect Like Terms

`7800000 - 1000000 = 4p`

`6800000 = 4p`

Divide through by 4

`p = 6800000/4`

`p = 1700000`