The U.S. population was 180 million in 1965 and 240 million in 1995. Assuming exponential population growth, what will the population be in the year 2010? Select the correct answer.
A)270 million
B)539 million
C)250 million
D)277 million
E)1,078 million

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We can use the exponential growth formula:

P(t) = P(0) * e^(rt),

where P(0) is the initial population, r is the annual growth rate (in decimal form), and t is the number of years.

We can solve for r by using the information given:

240 = 180 * e^(r*30)

e^(r*30) = 4/3

r*30 = ln(4/3)

r = ln(4/3) / 30

r ≈ 0.01

Now we can use this value of r to predict the population in 2010:

P(45) = 180 * e^(0.01*45) ≈ 277 million.

Therefore, the correct answer is D) 277 million.

The US Population Was 180 Million in 1965 and 240 Million