Demography Through ProblemsThe book that follows is an experiment in the teaching of population theory and analysis. A sequence of problems where each is a self-contained puzzle, and the successful solution of each which puts the student in a position to tackle the next, is a means of securing the active participation of the learner and so the mastery of a technical subject. How far our questions are the exciting puzzles at which we aimed, and how far the sequence constitutes a rounded course in demography, must be left to the user to judge. One test of a good problem is whether a solution, that may take hours of cogitation, is immediately recognizable once it comes to mind. While algebraic manipulation is required throughout, we have tried to emphasize problems in which there is some substantive point-a conclusion regarding population that can be put into words. Our title, Demography Through Problems, reflects our intention of leading the reader who will actively commit him-or herself through a sequence that will not only teach definitions-in itself a trivial matter-but sharpen intuition on the way that populations behave. |
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adjusted death rate age distribution age groups age interval age of childbearing age x age-specific approximation Assume average birth and death birth rate calculate census characteristic equation constant crude death rate curve Demography difference differential equation dP(t e-ral(a e₁ equal error estimate expression female fertility force of mortality fraction functional iteration geometric given graph Hence initial integral intrinsic rate irreducible K₁ Keyfitz L₁ lived logistic logistic curve LPRINT lx+1 male Markov chain matrix of Problem mean age moment generating function n₂ number of births number of children number of persons obtain P₁ P₂ percent person-years population aged probability Problem 17 projection matrix quadratic R₁ R₂ random variable rate of increase rural Show Society of Actuaries solution solve stable population subpopulations survivorship t₁ t₂ variance vector x₁ zero