Definition:

Growth rate is a measure of the rate at which a quantity increases or decreases over time. It is typically expressed as a percentage.

Formula:

Growth rate = (Q - Qo) / Qo * 100%

where:

• Q is the quantity at the end of the time period
• Qo is the quantity at the beginning of the time period

Interpretation:

• Positive growth rate indicates an increase in the quantity over time.
• Negative growth rate indicates a decrease in the quantity over time.
• The growth rate provides information about the speed and direction of growth or decline.

Examples:

• Population growth rate: Increase in the number of people in a population over time.
• Sales growth rate: Increase in the number of units sold over time.
• GDP growth rate: Increase in the total value of goods and services produced in a country over time.

Factors Affecting Growth Rate:

• Economic factors: Interest rates, inflation, consumer spending, investment
• Technological factors: Innovation, automation, digitalization
• Political factors: Policies, regulations, international relations
• Social factors: Demographics, social trends, consumer preferences

Growth Rate Versus Exponential Growth:

• Growth rate: Measures the rate of increase in a quantity.
• Exponential growth: Describes a type of growth where the quantity increases at an exponential rate.

Key Points:

• Growth rate is a measure of the rate of increase or decrease in a quantity over time.
• It is expressed as a percentage.
• Growth rate provides information about the speed and direction of growth or decline.
• Factors such as economic, technological, political, and social factors can affect growth rate.
• Growth rate is distinct from exponential growth.