To determine which state has the greatest population density, we need to follow several steps:
1. List the Population and Dimensions: We have the estimated population of each state:
- North Dakota: 780,000
- South Dakota: 887,000
- Nebraska: 1,960,000
- Kansas: 2,940,000
We also have the approximate dimensions (area in square miles) of each state:
- North Dakota: 70,698 square miles
- South Dakota: 77,116 square miles
- Nebraska: 77,348 square miles
- Kansas: 82,278 square miles
2. Calculate Population Density: Population density is calculated as the population divided by the area (number of people per square mile).
For each state:
- North Dakota: [tex]\( \frac{780,000 \text{ people}}{70,698 \text{ square miles}} \approx 11.03 \text{ people per square mile}\)[/tex]
- South Dakota: [tex]\( \frac{887,000 \text{ people}}{77,116 \text{ square miles}} \approx 11.50 \text{ people per square mile}\)[/tex]
- Nebraska: [tex]\( \frac{1,960,000 \text{ people}}{77,348 \text{ square miles}} \approx 25.34 \text{ people per square mile}\)[/tex]
- Kansas: [tex]\( \frac{2,940,000 \text{ people}}{82,278 \text{ square miles}} \approx 35.73 \text{ people per square mile}\)[/tex]
3. Compare Population Densities:
- North Dakota: 11.03 people/sq mile
- South Dakota: 11.50 people/sq mile
- Nebraska: 25.34 people/sq mile
- Kansas: 35.73 people/sq mile
4. Conclusion: Among the four states, Kansas has the highest population density, with approximately 35.73 people per square mile.
Therefore, the state with the greatest population density is Kansas.
