Global population (P) is increased exponentially at a rate of 1.8% per annum from 1950 to 1980. Global food...

Question

production (F) increased linearly during the same period from 370 billion kg to 1650 billion kg. The global population in 1950 was 2.6 billion (2,556,518,868) humans.

a) write the equation that predicts the "population" over this period as a function of time.

b) write the equation that shows "food production" over this period as a function of time.

c) use your equation to find the population in 1976.

d) use your equations to find the food production in 1976.

e) what should be the population in the year 2007?

PLEASE, whatever you can do to help, I truly appreciate it. Population problems like this are difficult for me. Thank you, in advance.

Answer 1

p(t) = 2,556,518,868 x 1.018^(t-1950)

note: t = 1950 to 1980

f(t) = (1650 - 370)x10^9 x (t-1950) / (1980-1950)  + 370x10^9

p(t=1976) = 3,401,053,396

f(t=1976) = 1052.67 x 10^9 tones

p(t=2007) = unknown... as the rate of growth is only valid for the period of 1950 to 1980

Answer 2

You cannot express an exponential growth in terms of a simple percentage per annum therefore your original premis is flawed.  Either 1) the population growth is linear at 1.8% per annum or 2) the population growth is exponential with some growth expression related to time elapsed from some base period.