The population of Bigville increased from 387,480 to 571,533 in the last 7 years. During the same time period, Smallville increased its population by 53.67%. Compare the towns to determine which is growing at the greatest rate and by what factor? (round to nearest hundredth)
Responses
A Bigville by a factor of 1.13Bigville by a factor of 1.13
B Bigville by a factor of 6.17Bigville by a factor of 6.17
C Smallville by a factor of 1.13Smallville by a factor of 1.13
D Smallville by a factor of 6.17
The population of Bigville increased by (571,533 - 387,480) = 184,053 people.
The growth rate of Bigville is calculated as (184,053 / 387,480) * 100% = 47.52%.
The population of Smallville increased by 53.67% of its original population.
The new population of Smallville is (100% + 53.67%) * (387,480) = 594,650.36.
Therefore, Bigville is growing at a greater rate than Smallville.
To determine the factor by which Bigville is growing, we divide the new population by the original population: 571,533 / 387,480 = 1.47.
To determine the factor by which Smallville is growing, we divide the new population by the original population: 594,650.36 / 387,480 = 1.53.
The correct answer is:
B) Bigville by a factor of 1.47.