To determine which state has the greatest population density, we need to calculate the population density for each state. Population density is calculated as the population divided by the area (usually in people per square mile).
Here’s the given data:
- North Dakota: Population = 780,000
- Approximate area = 70,698 square miles
- South Dakota: Population = 887,000
- Approximate area = 77,116 square miles
- Nebraska: Population = 1,960,000
- Approximate area = 77,358 square miles
- Kansas: Population = 2,940,000
- Approximate area = 82,278 square miles
Let's walk through the steps to find the population density for each state.
### North Dakota
1. Population: 780,000
2. Area: 70,698 square miles
3. Population Density:
[tex]\[
\text{Population Density} = \frac{\text{Population}}{\text{Area}} = \frac{780,000}{70,698} \approx 11.03 \text{ people per square mile}
\][/tex]
### South Dakota
1. Population: 887,000
2. Area: 77,116 square miles
3. Population Density:
[tex]\[
\text{Population Density} = \frac{\text{Population}}{\text{Area}} = \frac{887,000}{77,116} \approx 11.50 \text{ people per square mile}
\][/tex]
### Nebraska
1. Population: 1,960,000
2. Area: 77,358 square miles
3. Population Density:
[tex]\[
\text{Population Density} = \frac{\text{Population}}{\text{Area}} = \frac{1,960,000}{77,358} \approx 25.34 \text{ people per square mile}
\][/tex]
### Kansas
1. Population: 2,940,000
2. Area: 82,278 square miles
3. Population Density:
[tex]\[
\text{Population Density} = \frac{\text{Population}}{\text{Area}} = \frac{2,940,000}{82,278} \approx 35.73 \text{ people per square mile}
\][/tex]
### Conclusion
Comparing the calculated population densities:
- North Dakota: 11.03 people per square mile
- South Dakota: 11.50 people per square mile
- Nebraska: 25.34 people per square mile
- Kansas: 35.73 people per square mile
Kansas has the greatest population density with approximately 35.73 people per square mile.
Therefore, the answer is:
B. Kansas
