To determine the percentage increase in the US population from 2015 to 2050, follow these steps:
1. Identify the given populations:
- Population in 2015 = 321 million
- Projected population in 2050 = 438 million
2. Calculate the increase in population:
[tex]\[
\text{Population increase} = \text{Population in 2050} - \text{Population in 2015}
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
\text{Population increase} = 438 - 321 = 117 \text{ million}
\][/tex]
3. Calculate the percentage increase:
[tex]\[
\text{Percentage increase} = \left( \frac{\text{Population increase}}{\text{Population in 2015}} \right) \times 100
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
\text{Percentage increase} = \left( \frac{117}{321} \right) \times 100 \approx 36.4486\%
\][/tex]
4. Round the percentage increase to the nearest whole number:
[tex]\[
\text{Rounded percentage increase} \approx 36\%
\][/tex]
Therefore, the US population is projected to increase by approximately 36% from 2015 to 2050.