Question:medium

Population of Town A and B was 20,000 in 1985. In 1989, the population of Town A was 25,000, and Town B had 28,000. What will be the difference in population between the two towns in 1993?

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When dealing with linear growth, calculate the annual rate of change by dividing the total change by the number of years.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To ascertain the population disparity between Town A and Town B in 1993, the initial step involves computing the annual growth rate for each municipality over the period from 1985 to 1989. Subsequently, this calculated growth rate will be applied to forecast their respective populations for the year 1993.

Step 1: Compute Annual Growth Rate for Town A

Town A Population (1985) = 20,000

Town A Population (1989) = 25,000

Growth over 4 years (1985-1989):
Growth Rate = ((Final Population - Initial Population)/Initial Population) * 100 / Number of Years

Applying the figures:
Annual Growth Rate for Town A = ((25,000 - 20,000) / 20,000) * 100 / 4 = 6.25%

Step 2: Compute Annual Growth Rate for Town B

Town B Population (1985) = 20,000

Town B Population (1989) = 28,000

Growth over 4 years:
Annual Growth Rate for Town B = ((28,000 - 20,000) / 20,000) * 100 / 4

Annual Growth Rate for Town B = ((28,000 - 20,000) / 20,000) * 100 / 4 = 10%

Step 3: Forecast Population for 1993

The next stage is to project the population for each town for an additional 4-year period (1989 to 1993).

Town A:

Town A Population (1989) = 25,000

Projected Population = Initial Population * (1 + Annual Growth Rate)^Number of Years

Projected Population for Town A (1993) = 25,000 * (1 + 0.0625)^4 ≈ 31,600

Town B:

Town B Population (1989) = 28,000

Projected Population for Town B (1993) = 28,000 * (1 + 0.10)^4 ≈ 38,550

Step 4: Calculate Population Difference

Difference = Population of Town B (1993) - Population of Town A (1993)
Difference = 38,550 - 31,600 = 6,950

Consequently, the population difference between the two towns in 1993 is determined to be 6,950.

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