If density is rising in a city but people are settling in cheaper outer areas, what pattern can form?

Correct answer: Density growth in urban fringe areas

Answer: A, density growth in urban fringe areas. The urban fringe is the zone at the edge of a city where urban and rural land uses may meet. When housing is expensive in the central city, some families and new residents may choose cheaper land or housing on the outskirts. If roads, public transport, jobs, schools, and other services connect these places to the city, settlement can expand outward. As more people move into such outer areas, their local population density may rise, even if the central area grows more slowly. Option A correctly describes this possible pattern. B is wrong because movement to the outskirts does not make the entire city empty. C is wrong because housing cost can influence where people settle, although it is not the only factor. D is wrong because outer areas may attract people rather than remain empty. Memory cue: costly centre plus accessible cheaper edge can produce outward or fringe growth.