Question

In 2003, the population of Zimbabwe was about 12.6 million people, which is 1 million more than 4 times the population in 1950. Write and solve an equation to find the approximate population p of Zimbabwe in 1950

Answer 1

Population of Zimbabwe in 2003 = 12.6 million
which is 1 million more than 4 times the population in 1950 
approximate population p of Zimbabwe in 1950 = ?
12.6 million = 12,600,000
and 1 million = 1,000,000

The equation becomes:

12,600,000=1,000,000+4p

where p is the population in 1950

now solve for p,

12,600,000-1,000,000=4p

11,600,000=4p

11,600,000/4=p

p=2,900,000

which is the population in 1950