Using the compound growth formula, estimate the population of India in 1971, given that in 1961 it was 361.8 million and the annual growth rate was 2%.

Step-by-step solution

1. Compute the growth factor for 10 years using $(1+r{)}^n$, where $r=0.02$ and $n=10$; $(1+0.02{)}^{10}=1.218994$.
2. Multiply the 1961 population by this factor: $361.8\times 1.218994\approx 441.1$ million.
3. Round to one decimal place to obtain the estimate: $441.1$ million.

Concept tested: Population growth

Published 13 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked