01 A city has a density of 1200 persons per square kilometre and a population of 720000. If population increases by 60000 while area remains unchanged what is the new density?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. 1300 persons per square kilometre
Explanation: The given density and population can first be used to find the unchanged area. The relationship is \(D=P/A\), so \(A=P/D\). The original area is \(720000/1200=600\) square kilometres. When 60,000 people are added, the new population becomes \(720000+60000=780000\), while the area remains 600 square kilometres.
The new density is therefore \(780000/600=1300\) persons per square kilometre. The increase in population raises density because the same land must now accommodate more people. Hence option B, 1300 persons per square kilometre, is correct. The other choices do not result from dividing the new population by the unchanged area.