JAMB 2015 Mathematics · Question 10

In a town of 6250 inhabitants, there were 62 births during 1984. Find the percentage birth rate

Options

A.3%
B.1.0%
C.2.5%
D.5.40%

Answer: B. 1.0%

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

1. Analyze the question

We are given the total population of a town and the number of births that occurred within a specific year. We need to calculate the percentage birth rate.

2. Explain the concept

The birth rate is typically expressed as the number of births per 100 people (percentage) or per 1,000 people. Since the options provided are in percentages, we use the formula:

\text{Percentage Birth Rate} = \left( \frac{\text{Number of Births}}{\text{Total Population}} \right) \times 100\%

3. Show the solution

Total Population: 6,250
Number of Births: 62

Substitute these values into the formula:

\text{Percentage Birth Rate} = \left( \frac{62}{6250} \right) \times 100\%

First, simplify the fraction:

\frac{62}{6250} = 0.00992

Now, multiply by 100 to convert to a percentage:

0.00992 \times 100 = 0.992\%

Rounding 0.992% to one decimal place gives us 1.0%.

4. Identify the answer

Comparing our result to the given options: A. 3% B. 1.0% C. 2.5% D. 5.40%

The calculated value matches option B.

5. Tip

When dealing with "rate" questions in JAMB, always pay attention to whether the question asks for a percentage (per 100) or a crude rate (often per 1,000). If you ever get a decimal that is very close to a whole number in the options, check if rounding is expected!

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