Question

The country of Benin in West Africa has a population of 9.05 million people. The population is growing at a rate of 3.1% each year. What is the initial population of West Africa?

Answer 1

Answer: Approximately 8.78 million

Explanation:

Since the population is growing at a rate of 3.1% each year, that is synonymous to percentage increase

%increase = increase/initial population × 100

Or

(3.1 + 100)/100 × initial population = 9.05 million

= 1.031 × initial population = 9.05 million

Initial population = 9.05million/1.031

Initial population = 8.78 million