A mathematical approximation called the rule of 70 tells us that the number of years that it will ta
A mathematical approximation called the rule of 70 tells us that the number of years that it will take something that is growing to double in size is approximately equal to the number 70 divided by its percentage rate of growth. Thus, if Mexicos real GDP per person is growing at 7 percent per year, it will take about 10 years (= 70 7) to double. Apply the rule of 70 to solve the following problem. Real GDP per person in Mexico in 2005 was about $11,000 per person, while it was about $88,000 per person in the United States. If real GDP per person in Mexico grows at the rate of 2 percent per year, how long will it take Mexicos real GDP per person to reach the level that the United States was at in 2005? (Hint: How many times would Mexicos 2005 real GDP per person have to double to reach the United States 2005 real GDP per person?)
