Using compound growth, estimate India’s population in 1971 if it was 361.8 million in 1961 and the annual growth rate was 2%.

Step-by-step solution

1. Write the compound growth formula: $P=P_0(1+r{)}^t$ where $P_0=361.8$ million, $r=0.02$ and $t=10$ years.
2. Calculate $(1+r{)}^t=(1.02{)}^{10}approx1.21899$.
3. Multiply: $361.8\times 1.21899\approx 441.0$ million.
4. Round to the nearest million to give 441 million.

Concept tested: Population growth estimation

Published 16 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked