Question

Between 1960 and 2000, world population increased by how many billions of people? A) \(5.9\) C) \(1.0\) B) \(4.2\) D) \(3.1\)

Short answer

The population increased by about 3 billion people.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

We need to determine the increase in world population between the years 1960 and 2000.

Gather Data

In 1960, the world population was approximately 3 billion, and by 2000, it was about 6 billion. We're finding the difference between these two values.

Calculate the Increase

Subtract the world population in 1960 from that in 2000: \\[ 6 \text{ billion} - 3 \text{ billion} = 3 \text{ billion} \]

Compare to Answer Choices

The calculated increase is 3 billion. Compare this with the answer choices given: A) 5.9, B) 4.2, C) 1.0, D) 3.1. D) 3.1 matches closely to our calculated increase.

Key concepts

Population Calculation

When tackling any problem regarding population increase, start by understanding the basic idea of population calculation. You will typically have a fixed timeline and require initial and final population data. For this exercise, you need to determine how the world population increased from 1960 to 2000.

Determine the initial and final population figures during this timeline. According to historical data, the world population was approximately 3 billion in 1960 and increased to around 6 billion by 2000. Subtract the initial population figure from the final one to find the increase in population:

• Formula used: Final population - Initial population
• In this problem: 6 billion - 3 billion = 3 billion

This calculation tells you that there was a 3 billion increase in the world population over the given period.

Historical Population Data

Understanding historical population data is key to solving population growth problems. It acts as your foundation. By the mid 20th century, the world saw rapid growth in its population due to advances in healthcare and technology. This resulted in increased life expectancy and reduced mortality rates.

In 1960, the world was estimated to be home to about 3 billion people. Four decades later, by the year 2000, this figure soared to about 6 billion. This data forms a crucial part of solving any population-based problem. Historic trends can demonstrate the pace and factors of growth over time. Additionally, by understanding these patterns, we can project future population changes with more accuracy.

Problem-Solving Steps

To successfully solve math problems involving population, follow systematic steps to ensure accuracy. These steps will guide you in understanding what the problem asks for and how to obtain a solution.

First, thoroughly read the problem to understand what is required. This involves identifying the initial and final population figures and the timeframe over which the change occurs. Next, gather the necessary data. This step specified the importance of using the correct figures. Once the data is at hand, calculate the difference between the initial and final population values. This will give you the population growth.

• Read and understand the problem
• Gather data carefully
• Use correct mathematical operations such as subtraction
• Cross-verify with given options and ensure your answer matches one of them

This logical progression prepares you to tackle other, perhaps more complex, population problems confidently.

Educational Math Problem

Educational math problems, like those on world population growth, enhance a student's analytical and problem-solving skills. They are designed to require critical thinking and apply formulas to real-world scenarios. Practicing such problems helps learners develop logical thinking.

By breaking down the problem as demonstrated—understanding the issue, collecting relevant data, performing computations, and verifying against given answer choices—students enhance their ability to approach similar assessments efficiently. This type of problem also offers insight into world issues, making learners more aware of global phenomena like population explosion and its implications.

Problems like these help solidify the connection between mathematics and real-life events, showing how mathematical techniques can quantify and explain aspects of our world.