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Population Projection Equations

Environmental Engineering · FE Reference Handbook section

Environmental Engineering
13 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~60 min
All Environmental Engineering lectures

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Population Projection Equations — solve for projected population — Population Projection Equations

population projection for a city's water treatment plant design year Given initial population (P_0) = 316,100; growth rate constant (k) = 0.0190 1/yr; time (t) = 29.0000 yr, determine the projected population (P_t).

Given

  • initialpopulation(P0)=316,100initial population (P_0) = 316,100
  • growthrateconstant(k)=0.01901/yrgrowth rate constant (k) = 0.0190 1/yr
  • time(t)=29.0000yrtime (t) = 29.0000 yr

Find

projected population (P_t)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Population Projection Equations.
  • Everything except P_t is given, so isolate P_t symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Population projection equations use exponential growth to forecast future service population for water and wastewater planning.
yearspopulationPopulation projection growth curve

Figure 1 — schematic for Population Projection Equations — solve for projected population — Population Projection Equations

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for P_t:

    Pt=P0ektP_{t} = P_0 e^{kt}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial population (P_0) = 316,100, growth rate constant (k) = 0.0190 1/yr, time (t) = 29.0000 yr.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Pt=P0ek29.0000P_{t} = P_0 e^{k29.0000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Pt=548429P_{t} = 548429
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning P_t = 548,429 to

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Pt=548429P_{t} = 548429

Why the other options are there

  • 1,096,859 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 274,215 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 603,272 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Population Projection Equations

Example 2
Population Projection Equations — solve for initial population — Population Projection Equations (2)

exponential population projection equation for a service area Given growth rate constant (k) = 0.0440 1/yr; time (t) = 31.0000 yr; projected population (P_t) = 1,294,109, determine the initial population (P_0).

Given

  • growthrateconstant(k)=0.04401/yrgrowth rate constant (k) = 0.0440 1/yr
  • time(t)=31.0000yrtime (t) = 31.0000 yr
  • projectedpopulation(Pt)=1,294,109projected population (P_t) = 1,294,109

Find

initial population (P_0)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Population Projection Equations.
  • Everything except P_0 is given, so isolate P_0 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Population projection equations use exponential growth to forecast future service population for water and wastewater planning.
yearspopulationPopulation projection growth curve

Figure 2 — schematic for Population Projection Equations — solve for initial population — Population Projection Equations (2)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for P_0:

    P0=PtektP_{0} = \dfrac{P_t}{e^{kt}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: growth rate constant (k) = 0.0440 1/yr, time (t) = 31.0000 yr, projected population (P_t) = 1,294,109.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    P0=P31.0000ek31.0000P_{0} = \dfrac{P_31.0000}{e^{k31.0000}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    P0=330821P_{0} = 330821
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning P_0 = 330,821 to

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
P0=330821P_{0} = 330821

Why the other options are there

  • 661,642 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 165,411 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 363,903 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Population Projection Equations

Example 3
Population Projection Equations — solve for growth rate constant — Population Projection Equations (3)

population projection used to size a future wastewater treatment facility Given initial population (P_0) = 306,500; time (t) = 27.0000 yr; projected population (P_t) = 2,985,227, determine the growth rate constant (k) in 1/yr.

Given

  • initialpopulation(P0)=306,500initial population (P_0) = 306,500
  • time(t)=27.0000yrtime (t) = 27.0000 yr
  • projectedpopulation(Pt)=2,985,227projected population (P_t) = 2,985,227

Find

growth rate constant (k), in 1/yr

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Population Projection Equations.
  • Everything except k is given, so isolate k symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Population projection equations use exponential growth to forecast future service population for water and wastewater planning.
yearspopulationPopulation projection growth curve

Figure 3 — schematic for Population Projection Equations — solve for growth rate constant — Population Projection Equations (3)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for k:

    k=ln⁡(Pt/P0)tk = \dfrac{\ln(P_t/P_0)}{t}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial population (P_0) = 306,500, time (t) = 27.0000 yr, projected population (P_t) = 2,985,227.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    k=ln⁡(P27.0000/P0)27.0000k = \dfrac{\ln(P_27.0000/P_0)}{27.0000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    k=0.0843 1/yrk = 0.0843\ \text{1/yr}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning k = 0.0843 1/yr to

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
k=0.0843 1/yrk = 0.0843\ \text{1/yr}

Why the other options are there

  • 0.1686 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.0422 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.0927 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Population Projection Equations

Example 4
Population Projection Equations — solve for projected population (case 2) — Population Projection Equations (4)

population projection for a city's water treatment plant design year Given initial population (P_0) = 145,300; growth rate constant (k) = 0.0270 1/yr; time (t) = 14.0000 yr, determine the projected population (P_t).

Given

  • initialpopulation(P0)=145,300initial population (P_0) = 145,300
  • growthrateconstant(k)=0.02701/yrgrowth rate constant (k) = 0.0270 1/yr
  • time(t)=14.0000yrtime (t) = 14.0000 yr

Find

projected population (P_t)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Population Projection Equations.
  • Everything except P_t is given, so isolate P_t symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Population projection equations use exponential growth to forecast future service population for water and wastewater planning.
yearspopulationPopulation projection growth curve

Figure 4 — schematic for Population Projection Equations — solve for projected population (case 2) — Population Projection Equations (4)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for P_t:

    Pt=P0ektP_{t} = P_0 e^{kt}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial population (P_0) = 145,300, growth rate constant (k) = 0.0270 1/yr, time (t) = 14.0000 yr.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Pt=P0ek14.0000P_{t} = P_0 e^{k14.0000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Pt=212045P_{t} = 212045
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning P_t = 212,045 to

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Pt=212045P_{t} = 212045

Why the other options are there

  • 424,091 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 106,023 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 233,250 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Population Projection Equations

Example 5
Population Projection Equations — solve for initial population (case 2) — Population Projection Equations (5)

exponential population projection equation for a service area Given growth rate constant (k) = 0.0210 1/yr; time (t) = 7.0000 yr; projected population (P_t) = 989,571, determine the initial population (P_0).

Given

  • growthrateconstant(k)=0.02101/yrgrowth rate constant (k) = 0.0210 1/yr
  • time(t)=7.0000yrtime (t) = 7.0000 yr
  • projectedpopulation(Pt)=989,571projected population (P_t) = 989,571

Find

initial population (P_0)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Population Projection Equations.
  • Everything except P_0 is given, so isolate P_0 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Population projection equations use exponential growth to forecast future service population for water and wastewater planning.
yearspopulationPopulation projection growth curve

Figure 5 — schematic for Population Projection Equations — solve for initial population (case 2) — Population Projection Equations (5)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for P_0:

    P0=PtektP_{0} = \dfrac{P_t}{e^{kt}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: growth rate constant (k) = 0.0210 1/yr, time (t) = 7.0000 yr, projected population (P_t) = 989,571.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    P0=P7.0000ek7.0000P_{0} = \dfrac{P_7.0000}{e^{k7.0000}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    P0=854291P_{0} = 854291
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning P_0 = 854,291 to

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
P0=854291P_{0} = 854291

Why the other options are there

  • 1,708,581 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 427,145 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 939,720 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Population Projection Equations

Example 6
Population Projection Equations — solve for growth rate constant (case 2) — Population Projection Equations (6)

population projection used to size a future wastewater treatment facility Given initial population (P_0) = 214,700; time (t) = 31.0000 yr; projected population (P_t) = 375,518, determine the growth rate constant (k) in 1/yr.

Given

  • initialpopulation(P0)=214,700initial population (P_0) = 214,700
  • time(t)=31.0000yrtime (t) = 31.0000 yr
  • projectedpopulation(Pt)=375,518projected population (P_t) = 375,518

Find

growth rate constant (k), in 1/yr

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Population Projection Equations.
  • Everything except k is given, so isolate k symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Population projection equations use exponential growth to forecast future service population for water and wastewater planning.
yearspopulationPopulation projection growth curve

Figure 6 — schematic for Population Projection Equations — solve for growth rate constant (case 2) — Population Projection Equations (6)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for k:

    k=ln⁡(Pt/P0)tk = \dfrac{\ln(P_t/P_0)}{t}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial population (P_0) = 214,700, time (t) = 31.0000 yr, projected population (P_t) = 375,518.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    k=ln⁡(P31.0000/P0)31.0000k = \dfrac{\ln(P_31.0000/P_0)}{31.0000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    k=0.0180 1/yrk = 0.0180\ \text{1/yr}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning k = 0.0180 1/yr to

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
k=0.0180 1/yrk = 0.0180\ \text{1/yr}

Why the other options are there

  • 0.0361 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.0090 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.0198 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Population Projection Equations

Example 7
Population Projection Equations — solve for projected population (case 3) — Population Projection Equations (7)

population projection for a city's water treatment plant design year Given initial population (P_0) = 367,200; growth rate constant (k) = 0.0460 1/yr; time (t) = 16.0000 yr, determine the projected population (P_t).

Given

  • initialpopulation(P0)=367,200initial population (P_0) = 367,200
  • growthrateconstant(k)=0.04601/yrgrowth rate constant (k) = 0.0460 1/yr
  • time(t)=16.0000yrtime (t) = 16.0000 yr

Find

projected population (P_t)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Population Projection Equations.
  • Everything except P_t is given, so isolate P_t symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Population projection equations use exponential growth to forecast future service population for water and wastewater planning.
yearspopulationPopulation projection growth curve

Figure 7 — schematic for Population Projection Equations — solve for projected population (case 3) — Population Projection Equations (7)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for P_t:

    Pt=P0ektP_{t} = P_0 e^{kt}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial population (P_0) = 367,200, growth rate constant (k) = 0.0460 1/yr, time (t) = 16.0000 yr.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Pt=P0ek16.0000P_{t} = P_0 e^{k16.0000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Pt=766555P_{t} = 766555
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning P_t = 766,555 to

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Pt=766555P_{t} = 766555

Why the other options are there

  • 1,533,110 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 383,278 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 843,211 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Population Projection Equations

Example 8
Population Projection Equations — solve for initial population (case 3) — Population Projection Equations (8)

exponential population projection equation for a service area Given growth rate constant (k) = 0.0140 1/yr; time (t) = 23.0000 yr; projected population (P_t) = 2,760,134, determine the initial population (P_0).

Given

  • growthrateconstant(k)=0.01401/yrgrowth rate constant (k) = 0.0140 1/yr
  • time(t)=23.0000yrtime (t) = 23.0000 yr
  • projectedpopulation(Pt)=2,760,134projected population (P_t) = 2,760,134

Find

initial population (P_0)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Population Projection Equations.
  • Everything except P_0 is given, so isolate P_0 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Population projection equations use exponential growth to forecast future service population for water and wastewater planning.
yearspopulationPopulation projection growth curve

Figure 8 — schematic for Population Projection Equations — solve for initial population (case 3) — Population Projection Equations (8)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for P_0:

    P0=PtektP_{0} = \dfrac{P_t}{e^{kt}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: growth rate constant (k) = 0.0140 1/yr, time (t) = 23.0000 yr, projected population (P_t) = 2,760,134.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    P0=P23.0000ek23.0000P_{0} = \dfrac{P_23.0000}{e^{k23.0000}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    P0=2000264P_{0} = 2000264
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning P_0 = 2,000,264 to

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
P0=2000264P_{0} = 2000264

Why the other options are there

  • 4,000,528 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 1,000,132 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 2,200,291 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Population Projection Equations

Example 9
Population Projection Equations — solve for growth rate constant (case 3) — Population Projection Equations (9)

population projection used to size a future wastewater treatment facility Given initial population (P_0) = 419,700; time (t) = 1.0000 yr; projected population (P_t) = 1,647,525, determine the growth rate constant (k) in 1/yr.

Given

  • initialpopulation(P0)=419,700initial population (P_0) = 419,700
  • time(t)=1.0000yrtime (t) = 1.0000 yr
  • projectedpopulation(Pt)=1,647,525projected population (P_t) = 1,647,525

Find

growth rate constant (k), in 1/yr

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Population Projection Equations.
  • Everything except k is given, so isolate k symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Population projection equations use exponential growth to forecast future service population for water and wastewater planning.
yearspopulationPopulation projection growth curve

Figure 9 — schematic for Population Projection Equations — solve for growth rate constant (case 3) — Population Projection Equations (9)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for k:

    k=ln⁡(Pt/P0)tk = \dfrac{\ln(P_t/P_0)}{t}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial population (P_0) = 419,700, time (t) = 1.0000 yr, projected population (P_t) = 1,647,525.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    k=ln⁡(P1.0000/P0)1.0000k = \dfrac{\ln(P_1.0000/P_0)}{1.0000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    k=1.3675 1/yrk = 1.3675\ \text{1/yr}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning k = 1.3675 1/yr to

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
k=1.3675 1/yrk = 1.3675\ \text{1/yr}

Why the other options are there

  • 2.7350 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.6837 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.5042 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Population Projection Equations

Example 10
Population Projection Equations — solve for projected population (case 4) — Population Projection Equations (10)

population projection for a city's water treatment plant design year Given initial population (P_0) = 371,300; growth rate constant (k) = 0.0110 1/yr; time (t) = 35.0000 yr, determine the projected population (P_t).

Given

  • initialpopulation(P0)=371,300initial population (P_0) = 371,300
  • growthrateconstant(k)=0.01101/yrgrowth rate constant (k) = 0.0110 1/yr
  • time(t)=35.0000yrtime (t) = 35.0000 yr

Find

projected population (P_t)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Population Projection Equations.
  • Everything except P_t is given, so isolate P_t symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Population projection equations use exponential growth to forecast future service population for water and wastewater planning.
yearspopulationPopulation projection growth curve

Figure 10 — schematic for Population Projection Equations — solve for projected population (case 4) — Population Projection Equations (10)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for P_t:

    Pt=P0ektP_{t} = P_0 e^{kt}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial population (P_0) = 371,300, growth rate constant (k) = 0.0110 1/yr, time (t) = 35.0000 yr.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Pt=P0ek35.0000P_{t} = P_0 e^{k35.0000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Pt=545668P_{t} = 545668
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning P_t = 545,668 to

    Pt=P0ektP_t = P_0 e^{k t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Pt=545668P_{t} = 545668

Why the other options are there

  • 1,091,336 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 272,834 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 600,235 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Population Projection Equations

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