Question

The Coronavirus disease has led to many deaths globally. In Gauteng, the number of deaths per week increases by 9.2% every week. Suppose this trend does not change and 82 deaths have been recorded this week. Determine the number of deaths that: a) were recorded 4 weeks ago b) will be recorded in 3 weeks’ time c) will be recorded in 6 weeks’ time

Answer 1

If the number of deaths this week was 82

A) Then last week $82-(9.2\%×82)=75$

2 weeks ago: $75-(9.2\%×75)=68$

3 weeks ago: $68-(9.2\%×68)=62$

4 weeks ago: $62-(9.2\%×62)=56$

The number of deaths 4 weeks ago was approximately 56 deaths.

B) if the death toll this week was 82

Next week: $82+(9.2\%×82)=90$

2 weeks time: $90+(9.2\%×90)=98$

In 3 weeks time: $98+(9.2\%×98)=107$

The expected death rate in 4 weeks time is approximately 107 deaths.

C) From the 4th week with a death toll of 107,

In 5 weeks time: $107+(9.2\%×107)=117$

In 6 weeks time: $117+(9.2\%×117)=128$

In 6 weeks time, the death rate would have increased to 128 persons