Population Growth Activity

Consider the following two time series involving population growth. The table shows total
population in billions for Europe, Africa and Asia in no particular order.

Years after
Year Asia Africa Europe
1800
1800 0 0.07
1820 20 0.07
1840 40 0.76 0.08 0.27
1860 60 0.09 0.31
1880 80 0.79 0.11
1900 100 0.89 0.42
1920 120 1.04 0.15 0.47
1940 140 1.23 0.19 0.55
1960 160 1.67
1980 180 2.58 0.75
2000 200
2020 220 4.48 0.84
2040 240

Task 1
 Can you anticipate which numbers might go in the gaps?
 Can you say which column goes with which continent
 How are you making these decisions?

Task 2
For each data set

 Plot the data you have using Desmos or Geogebra.

 Decide whether you think a linear or an exponential model would be more
appropriate (Use best fit function on Desmos on geogebra)
 Consider the general form for that function and then consider which of those values
can be estimated so as to reduce variables.
 Now enter the function using dynamic variables.
 Think about how these can be adjusted so as to fit the data best.
 Now use this model to fill in the gaps.
Task 3
 Compare your answers to the actual numbers.
 Consider the accuracy of your model
 Now you have the data including the projections for the future, consider what
improvements could be made to your model.
 Extension – try to fit a logistic model to this data