In demographic analysis, which of the following mathematical expressions correctly defines… — JAMB UTME

In demographic analysis, which of the following mathematical expressions correctly defines the dependency ratio of a population?

$\frac{\text{Population aged } <15 + \text{Population aged } \ge 65}{\text{Population aged } 15\text{--}64} \times 100$ Answer
B
$\frac{\text{Population aged } 15\text{--}64}{\text{Population aged } <15 + \text{Population aged } \ge 65} \times 100$
C
$\frac{\text{Crude Birth Rate} - \text{Crude Death Rate}}{\text{Total Population}} \times 1000$
D
$\frac{\text{Population aged } <15}{\text{Population aged } \ge 65} \times 100$

Answer

The dependency ratio is correctly calculated as

\frac{\text{Population aged } <15 + \text{Population aged } \ge 65}{\text{Population aged } 15\text{--}64} \times 100

The dependency ratio measures the economic burden on the productive population by comparing dependents (children under 15 and elderly individuals aged 65 and above) to the working-age population (aged 15 to 64), expressed per 100 working individuals.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the dependent age groups within a population structure.

The dependent population consists of children under 15 years old and elderly individuals aged 65 and above.

These groups are generally considered economically inactive or dependent on others.

Identify the economically active (working-age) population group.

The working-age group spans individuals aged 15 to 64 years.

This cohort generates the economic output to support themselves and dependents.

Formulate the dependency ratio.

Divide the total dependents by the working-age population and multiply by 100 to express as a percentage.

This yields the number of dependents per 100 working-age individuals.

Key Concept

Dependency Ratio Calculation

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