To calculate the real GDP per capita, you divide the real GDP by the population.

Given:

• Real GDP (RGDP) = $13.50 trillion = $13.50 × 10^12
• Population = 257.70 million = 257.70 × 10^6

The formula for Real GDP per capita is:

$\text{Real GDP per capita} = \frac{\text{Real GDP}}{\text{Population}}$

Substituting the values:

$\text{Real GDP per capita} = \frac{13.50 \times 10^{12}}{257.70 \times 10^6}$

$\text{Real GDP per capita} \approx 52,423.13$

So, the real GDP per capita in 1988 was approximately $52,423.13.

Would you like further clarification on this calculation or explore related concepts?

Here are some questions to dive deeper:

1. How does real GDP per capita differ from nominal GDP per capita?
2. What factors can cause changes in real GDP per capita over time?
3. How do inflation rates affect the calculation of real GDP per capita?
4. How can real GDP per capita be used to compare living standards across countries?
5. What is the importance of population growth in analyzing economic performance?

Tip: When comparing real GDP per capita over different time periods, it’s important to account for inflation to ensure the figures reflect true growth or decline in living standards.