The populations and areas of four states are shown.
| | Population | Area ($km^2$) |
| :------ | :---------- | :------------- |
| State A | $1,055,173$ | 2,677 |
| State B | $1,333,089$ | 36,418 |
| State C | $3,596,677$ | 5,543 |
| State D | $6,745,408$ | 10,555 |
Which statement regarding these four states is true?
A. The state with the lowest population has the greatest population density.
B. The state with the second lowest population has the lowest population density.
C. The state with the lowest population has the lowest population density.
D. The state with the second greatest population has the lowest population density.
Answer (2)
Calculate the population density for each state by dividing its population by its area.
Compare the population densities of the four states.
Identify the state with the lowest population and its corresponding density.
Determine that the state with the second lowest population (State B) has the lowest population density.
Conclude that the correct statement is: The state with the second lowest population has the lowest population density, so the answer is T r u e .
Explanation
Calculate Population Densities First, we need to calculate the population density for each state. Population density is calculated by dividing the population by the area.
State A Density State A: Population = 1,055,173, Area = 2,677 k m 2 Population Density of State A = 2 , 677 1 , 055 , 173 ≈ 394.16 people per k m 2
State B Density State B: Population = 1,333,089, Area = 36,418 k m 2 Population Density of State B = 36 , 418 1 , 333 , 089 ≈ 36.61 people per k m 2
State C Density State C: Population = 3,596,677, Area = 5,543 k m 2 Population Density of State C = 5 , 543 3 , 596 , 677 ≈ 648.87 people per k m 2
State D Density State D: Population = 6,745,408, Area = 10,555 k m 2 Population Density of State D = 10 , 555 6 , 745 , 408 ≈ 639.07 people per k m 2
Comparing Densities Now, let's compare the population densities: State A: ≈ 394.16 people per k m 2 State B: ≈ 36.61 people per k m 2 State C: ≈ 648.87 people per k m 2 State D: ≈ 639.07 people per k m 2
Analyzing the Statements The state with the lowest population is State A (1,055,173), and its population density is approximately 394.16 people per k m 2 .
The state with the second lowest population is State B (1,333,089), and its population density is approximately 36.61 people per k m 2 .
The state with the second greatest population is State C (3,596,677) and its population density is approximately 648.87 people per k m 2 .
Evaluating the Statements Now, let's evaluate the given statements:
The state with the lowest population has the greatest population density. (False, State C has the greatest density)
The state with the second lowest population has the lowest population density. (True, State B has the lowest density)
The state with the lowest population has the lowest population density. (False, State B has the lowest density)
The state with the second greatest population has the lowest population density. (False, State B has the lowest density)
Final Answer Therefore, the true statement is: The state with the second lowest population has the lowest population density.
Examples
Understanding population density is crucial in urban planning and resource management. For instance, knowing the population density helps in allocating resources like water, electricity, and public transportation efficiently. High population density areas may require more infrastructure and services compared to sparsely populated regions. By calculating and comparing population densities, governments and organizations can make informed decisions about resource allocation and infrastructure development, ensuring the needs of the population are met effectively. This concept is also used in environmental studies to assess the impact of human populations on ecosystems.
The correct statement is B: The state with the second lowest population has the lowest population density. Our calculations show that State B, with a population of 1,333,089, has the lowest density of approximately 36.61 people per km². Therefore, Statement B is true.
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