The population of a city has increased by
38%
since it was last measured. If the current population is
62,100
, what was the previous population?
Let's call the previous population "x."
We know that the current population, 62,100, is 38% more than the previous population.
To find x, we can set up an equation:
x + 0.38x = 62100
Simplifying:
1.38x = 62100
Dividing both sides by 1.38:
x = 45,000
So the previous population was 45,000.
To find the previous population, you need to calculate the population increase percentage.
Step 1: Calculate the percentage increase. Subtract 100 from the percentage increase rate:
Percentage Increase = 100% + 38% = 138%
Step 2: Set up the equation using the formula:
Previous Population × 138% = Current Population
Step 3: Solve for the previous population. Divide both sides of the equation by 138%.
Previous Population = Current Population ÷ 138%
Now, plug in the given values and calculate the previous population.
Previous Population = 62,100 ÷ 1.38
Previous Population ≈ 45,000
Therefore, the previous population of the city was approximately 45,000.