The population of the united states from 1970 to 2010 can be modeled by a function where P(t) is the population (in millions) and t is the time in decades since 1970. Some of the values for this function are shown in the table. (Note: t=0 represents 1970) What was the average rate of change, in millions of people per decade, in the US population from 1970 to 2000? Round to the nearest whole number
To find the average rate of change from 1970 to 2000, we need to calculate the change in population from 1970 to 2000 and divide it by the change in time.
Using the provided values from the table:
P(0) = 203
P(3) = 248
Time change = 3 decades
Population change = 248 - 203 = 45 million
Average rate of change = Population change / Time change
Average rate of change = 45 million / 3 decades = 15 million per decade
Therefore, the average rate of change in the US population from 1970 to 2000 was 15 million people per decade.