To find the average rate of change of the population from 2014 to 2017, we need to follow these steps:
1. Identify the population values for the given years, 2014 and 2017.
2. Calculate the change in population during this interval.
3. Determine the number of years between 2014 and 2017.
4. Calculate the average rate of change by dividing the change in population by the number of years.
Let's go through each step in detail:
1. Population Values:
- Population in 2014: 14,836
- Population in 2017: 16,498
2. Change in Population:
The change in population from 2014 to 2017 is given by subtracting the population in 2014 from the population in 2017:
[tex]\[
\text{Change in population} = 16,498 - 14,836 = 1,662
\][/tex]
3. Number of Years:
The number of years between 2014 and 2017 is:
[tex]\[
\text{Number of years} = 2017 - 2014 = 3
\][/tex]
4. Average Rate of Change:
The average rate of change is calculated using the formula:
[tex]\[
\text{Average rate of change} = \frac{\text{Change in population}}{\text{Number of years}} = \frac{1,662}{3} = 554
\][/tex]
Therefore, the average rate of change from 2014 to 2017 is 554. This means that, on average, the population increased by 554 people per year during this period.
Hence, the correct interpretation in terms of the context is:
554; represents the average growth in the population from 2014 to 2017.
