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 values for this function are shown in the table. (Note: t=0 represents 1970.)
t. 0. 1. 2. 3. 4
P(t) 203. 227. 249. 281. 309
What was the average rate of change. in millions of people per decade in the U.S. population from 1970 to 2000? Round to the nearest whole number
To find the average rate of change in millions of people per decade from 1970 to 2000, we will calculate the difference in population between 2000 and 1970 and divide by the number of decades.
P(0) = 203 million (1970 population)
P(3) = 281 million (2000 population)
t = 3 (represents 2000)
Average rate of change = (P(3) - P(0)) / (3 - 0)
Average rate of change = (281 - 203) / 3
Average rate of change = 78 / 3
Average rate of change ā 26
Therefore, the average rate of change in millions of people per decade in the U.S. population from 1970 to 2000 was approximately 26 million people.