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The accompanying table gives the population of the six U.S. states with the largest populations in 2008 and the area of these states. (Source: www.infoplease.com) $$\begin{array}{|l|l|l|} \hline \text { State } & \text { Population } & \text { Area (square miles) } \\\ \hline \text { Pennsylvania } & 12,448,279 & 44,817 \\ \hline \text { Illinois } & 12,901,563 & 55,584 \\ \hline \text { Florida } & 18,328,340 & 53,927 \\ \hline \text { New York } & 19,490,297 & 47,214 \\ \hline \text { Texas } & 24,326,974 & 261,797 \\ \hline \text { California } & 36,756,666 & 155,959\\\ \hline \end{array}$$ a. Determine and report the rankings of the population density by dividing each population by the number of square miles to get the population density (in people per square mile). Use rank 1 for the highest density. b. If you wanted to live in the state (of these \(\operatorname{six}\) ) with the lowest population density, which would you choose? c. It you wanted to live in the state (of these six) with the highest population density, which would you choose?

Step by step solution

01

Calculate Population Density

Population density can be calculated using the formula \(Population Density = \frac{Population}{Area}\). Apply this formula for each state.

02

Ranking by Population Density

After finding the population densities, rank them. The state with the highest density gets a rank of 1. The state with the second highest density gets rank 2 and so on.

03

Identify Lowest and Highest Densities

From the ranked list, it can be determined which state has the lowest and highest population densities.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Population Density Calculation

Understanding how to calculate population density is essential for geographic and social analyses. Simply put, population density measures how crowded an area is. The formula to calculate population density is as follows:
\[Population Density = \frac{Population}{Area}\]
In this formula, 'Population' refers to the total number of people living in a specific area, and 'Area' is the size of the land measured in square miles (or square kilometers) where these people reside.
For example, if a state has a population of 5 million people and covers an area of 50,000 square miles, the population density would be 100 people per square mile. This is a straightforward calculation, but it's crucial when comparing different locations or considering the impact of human activity on the environment. Remember, high density might indicate urbanization and economic activity, whereas low density could suggest rural or wilderness areas.

Ranking by Population Density

Once we've calculated the population densities for various areas, we can begin ranking them to get a sense of how they compare to one another. High population densities often point to urban areas with many people living in a small space, which can affect resources, housing, transportation, and quality of life. Ranking by population density is simply ordering locations from the highest to lowest based on their density values.
In educational exercises and real-life scenarios, this ranking can provide insights into urban planning, resource allocation, and even political representation. In our exercise, New York would rank 1 for having the highest population density, and Texas, with its vast land area and relatively smaller population, would have the lowest ranking among the six states listed.

Comparing Geographic Data

Comparing geographic data like population densities between different areas allows individuals and authorities to make informed decisions about various aspects of life and governance. When looking at states like Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, New York, Texas, and California, we see a rich tapestry of various population sizes and land areas. This comparison informs about urban development, infrastructure needs, and environmental challenges.
By conducting a comparative analysis, we gain more than just numbers; we learn about the distribution of people in relation to their physical space, which can influence social dynamics, local economies, and legislative concerns. Comparing geographical data aids not just in academic exercises but also in shaping the policies that affect the day-to-day lives of people residing in these areas. It is also invaluable for planning purposes, from developing public transportation networks to environmental preservation efforts.