1. **State the problem:** We know Amsterdam had 882 thousand inhabitants at the beginning of 2022, which is 5% of the total population of The Netherlands, and that Amsterdam's population is 35% more than Rotterdam's population. 2. **Find the total population of The Netherlands:** Since Amsterdam's population is 5% of the total, we use the formula: $$\text{Amsterdam} = 0.05 \times \text{Total population}$$ Substitute the known value: $$882 = 0.05 \times \text{Total population}$$ 3. **Solve for the total population:** $$\text{Total population} = \frac{882}{0.05}$$ Show intermediate cancellation: $$\text{Total population} = \frac{\cancel{882}}{\cancel{0.05}}$$ Calculate: $$\text{Total population} = 17640 \text{ thousand inhabitants}$$ 4. **Find Rotterdam's population:** Amsterdam's population is 35% more than Rotterdam's, so: $$\text{Amsterdam} = 1.35 \times \text{Rotterdam}$$ Substitute Amsterdam's population: $$882 = 1.35 \times \text{Rotterdam}$$ 5. **Solve for Rotterdam's population:** $$\text{Rotterdam} = \frac{882}{1.35}$$ Show intermediate cancellation: $$\text{Rotterdam} = \frac{\cancel{882}}{\cancel{1.35}}$$ Calculate: $$\text{Rotterdam} \approx 653.33 \text{ thousand inhabitants}$$ **Final answers:** - Total population of The Netherlands is 17640 thousand inhabitants. - Rotterdam has approximately 653.33 thousand inhabitants.