To determine which state has the greatest population density, we need to calculate the population density for each state. Population density is given by the formula:
[tex]\[ \text{Population Density} = \frac{\text{Population}}{\text{Area}} \][/tex]
Here are the populations and approximate areas of the four states:
1. North Dakota
- Population: 780,000
- Area: ~70,698 square miles
2. South Dakota
- Population: 887,000
- Area: ~77,116 square miles
3. Nebraska
- Population: 1,960,000
- Area: ~77,348 square miles
4. Kansas
- Population: 2,940,000
- Area: ~82,278 square miles
Now, let's calculate the population density for each state:
1. North Dakota
[tex]\[
\frac{780,000}{70,698} \approx 11.03 \,\text{people per square mile}
\][/tex]
2. South Dakota
[tex]\[
\frac{887,000}{77,116} \approx 11.50 \,\text{people per square mile}
\][/tex]
3. Nebraska
[tex]\[
\frac{1,960,000}{77,348} \approx 25.34 \,\text{people per square mile}
\][/tex]
4. Kansas
[tex]\[
\frac{2,940,000}{82,278} \approx 35.73 \,\text{people per square mile}
\][/tex]
According to our calculations, the population densities are:
- North Dakota: approximately 11.03 people per square mile
- South Dakota: approximately 11.50 people per square mile
- Nebraska: approximately 25.34 people per square mile
- Kansas: approximately 35.73 people per square mile
Thus, the state with the greatest population density is Kansas, with a population density of approximately 35.73 people per square mile.
