The population of Greenville increased by 7% from 2015 to 2016. If the 2016 population is k times the 2015 population, what is the value of k ?

Explanation

The correct answer is Choice C: 1.07. To find the value of k, consider that the population increased by 7%. This means that the 2016 population is the original 2015 population plus 7% of the original. Mathematically, this can be expressed as x + 0.07x = 1.07x, where x is the 2015 population. Therefore, the 2016 population is 1.07 times the 2015 population, making k = 1.07.Choice A (0.07) is incorrect because it represents the percentage increase as a decimal, not the actual multiplier for the population. Choice B (0.7) is a misunderstanding of the percentage increase concept and would imply a significant decrease rather than an increase. Choice D (1.7) incorrectly assumes a 70% increase rather than the actual 7%.