The table shows the percent change in population from 2001 through 2013 for selected metropolitan areas. Complete parts mathrm(a) and mathrm(b) below. Metropolitan Area & Percent Change City 1 & 45.6 City2 & 9.0 City3 & 5.9 City4 & -2.9 City5 & 41.1 City6 & -4.2 What was the change? Was it an increase or a decrease? A. The population increased by square % . B. The population decreased by square % .

## Step1: Identify the Percent Changes<br />### The table provides the percent changes in population for six metropolitan areas from 2001 through 2013. These changes are as follows:<br />- City1: 45.6%<br />- City2: 9.0%<br />- City3: 5.9%<br />- City4: -2.9%<br />- City5: 41.1%<br />- City6: -4.2%<br /><br />## Step2: Determine the Overall Change<br />### To determine the overall change, we need to consider each city's percent change individually. Since the question does not specify whether to calculate an average or a total sum, we will assume it is asking for the general trend (increase or decrease) based on the given data.<br /><br />## Step3: Analyze Each City's Change<br />### We observe that four cities (City1, City2, City3, and City5) have positive percent changes, indicating an increase in population. Two cities (City4 and City6) have negative percent changes, indicating a decrease in population.<br /><br />## Step4: Conclude the Overall Trend<br />### Since the majority of the cities (four out of six) experienced an increase in population, we can conclude that the overall trend is an increase in population.