The population of France in 1950 was about 41.8 million, while in 1970, it was about 50.8 million. ...

The population of France in 1950 was about 41.8 million, while in 1970, it was about 50.8 million. Assume that the population is growing according to the discrete Malthusian growth equation Pn+1 = (1 + r)Pn; with P0 = 41:8;

where P0 is the population in 1950 and n is in decades.

Use the population in 1970 (P2) to find the value of r (to 4 significant figures). If France's population continued to grow in this manner, find the time for it to double.