Question

The population, P, of Surrey since $1995$ can be estimated by the equation $P=1.0635x+3,250$, where x is the number of years since $1995$ and $0\le x\le 20$. In the context of this equation, what does the number $1.0635$ most likely represent?

• A. The estimated poulation of town Y in $1995$
• B. The estimated population of town Y in $2015$
• C. The factor by which the population of town Y increased yearly
• D. The factor by which the population of town Y decreased yearly

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The factor by which the population of town Y increased yearly

According to the question, P represents the population, so the outcome of the entire equation has something to do with the population. Therefore, eliminate both (A) and (B) because $1.0635$ can't represent the population if P does. In the equation given, the only operations are multiplication and addition, which means that over time the population would increase. Therefore, eliminate (D).
The correct answer is (C).