This problem ties into real-life population estimates.
Edited by Fred Dillon, dillon314@sbcglobal.net, a math educator from Strongsville, Ohio, and Kevin Dykema, k.dykema@mattawanschool.org, in Mattawan, Michigan. Manuscripts should show how math is used to solve a real-life problem, preferably in the context of one's profession, and should be no more than 300 words. Submit manuscripts through http://mtms.msubmit.net.
Alessandra King, alessandra.king@holton-arms.edu, studies mathematics with her students at the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland. She has taught mathematics and physics at the middle school and upper school levels and is interested in creative problem solving, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning.