Let's determine which of the listed states has the greatest population density. Population density is calculated as the number of people per square mile.
First, we have the populations provided for each state:
- North Dakota: 780,000 people
- South Dakota: 887,000 people
- Nebraska: 1,960,000 people
- Kansas: 2,940,000 people
Next, we have the approximate areas for these states (in square miles):
- North Dakota: 70,700 square miles
- South Dakota: 77,100 square miles
- Nebraska: 77,300 square miles
- Kansas: 82,280 square miles
We will calculate the population density for each state by dividing the population by the area.
1. North Dakota:
[tex]\[
\text{Population Density} = \frac{780,000 \text{ people}}{70,700 \text{ square miles}} \approx 11.033 \text{ people per square mile}
\][/tex]
2. South Dakota:
[tex]\[
\text{Population Density} = \frac{887,000 \text{ people}}{77,100 \text{ square miles}} \approx 11.505 \text{ people per square mile}
\][/tex]
3. Nebraska:
[tex]\[
\text{Population Density} = \frac{1,960,000 \text{ people}}{77,300 \text{ square miles}} \approx 25.356 \text{ people per square mile}
\][/tex]
4. Kansas:
[tex]\[
\text{Population Density} = \frac{2,940,000 \text{ people}}{82,280 \text{ square miles}} \approx 35.732 \text{ people per square mile}
\][/tex]
Now, let's compare the population densities:
- North Dakota: 11.033 people per square mile
- South Dakota: 11.505 people per square mile
- Nebraska: 25.356 people per square mile
- Kansas: 35.732 people per square mile
The highest population density among these states is in Kansas.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
A. Kansas
