Table 6.2 gives the population of the United States at 10-year intervals for the years 1900-2000.
(a) Assuming an exponential growth model, use the data for 1900 and 1 9 1 0 to find a formula for p(t), the population in year t.
(b) Repeat part (a), but use the data for the years 1970 and 1980 to solve for p(t). Does this approach give a better approximation for the year 2000?
(c) What can you conclude about U.S. population growth?
Table 6.2
Year Population (in millions)
1900..................................76
1910..................................92
1920.................................106
1930.................................123
1940.................................131
1950.................................150
1960.................................179
1970.................................203
1980.................................227
1990.................................250
2000.................................281