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 x age-specific death rates approximation Assume average birth rate calculate census Chapter characteristic equation constant crude death rate defined denoted difference differential equation dP(t e₁ equal error expectation expression female fertility force of mortality fraction function functional iteration geometric given graph growth Hence hyperbola indirect method initial integral intrinsic rate irreducible iteration K₁ Keyfitz lived logarithm logistic curve LPRINT lx+1 male mean age Mx+1 n₁ n₂ number of births number of children obtain P₁ P₁+1 P₂ percent primitive projection matrix Prove quadratic R₁ r₁₁ random variable rate of increase rural SMSA Society of Actuaries solution stable population standard population subpopulations survivorship t)qx t₁ t₂ tl(x ultimate ratio urban values variance vector x₁ zero