Question

In 2003, the population of an African country was about 10.5 million people, which is 3 million more than 3 times the population in 1950. Enter and solve an equation to find the approximate population p (in millions) in 1950. An equation is . The approximate population in 1950 was million people.

Answer 1

2.5 million

Explanation:

Given that :

Population in 2003 = 10.5 million

Population in 2003 = 3 million + (3 * population in 1950)

Hence from both expressions :

Let population in 1950 = p

3,000,000 + (3 * p) = 10,500,000

3,000,000 + 3p = 10,500,000

3p = 10,500,000 - 3,000,000

3p = 7,500,000

p = 7,500,000 / 3

p = 2,500,000

Hence, population in 1950 is 2.5 million