Course Glossary

The Changing American Economy

GraphingThe population of urban cities in the United States grew as a result of industrialization. In this activity, you will graph and analyze population data from 1790 until 2000 for the city of New York. Analyzing and graphing are important skills that are used to view trends in data. In this assignment, complete each part by following the given instructions.

This activity is available below or in a printable version.

Part I: Complete the Table

  1. To calculate the change in population from decade to decade, you will need to subtract the previous decade’s total population from the current decade’s total population. The example shows the total population change from 1790 to 1800.

    76 – 45 = 31

  2. Calculate the percent of population change. In order to complete this calculation, you will need to divide the change in population from the total population. Then, multiply the value times 100%. The example shows the percent of population change from 1790 to 1800.

× 100% = 40.7 % (the answer is rounded up to 41%)

Population of New York City from 1790 until 2000
Year Total Population
(thousands)
Change in Population
(thousands)
Percent of Population Change
(%)
1790 45    
1800 76 31 41
1810 114    
1820 145    
1830 235    
1840 379    
1850 682    
1860 1150    
1870 1444    
1880 1873    
1890 2455    
1900 3371    
1910 4681    
1920 5503    
1930 6771    
1940 7280    
1950 7700    
1960 7560    
1970 7600    
1980 6719    
1990 6945    
2000 7565    

 

Part 2: Graphing

Graph the percent of population change for each decade in a line graph. Make sure to give the graph a proper title and label each axis. Scale the X-axis from decades 1790 through 2000. Scale the Y-axis from -10% to 50%. Graph paper is available in the printable version, or you can use any type of graphing software to complete your graph.

Part 3: Analysis Questions

Answer the following questions using complete sentences. Make sure to completely answer the question in the space provided.

  1. Describe the overall trend in population change for New York City from 1790 until 2000.

  2. Which decade had the greatest overall population change? What are some reasons the change was high during this decade?

  3. Which year had the lowest overall population change? What are some reasons the change was so low during this decade?

 

Assignment IconOnce you have completed your table, graph, and analysis questions, please submit your completed assignment to the dropbox.