Question

What is the U.S. national debt increase from 1971 to 2021?

Answer 1

The U.S. national debt has seen significant changes from 1971 to 2021. In 1971, the national debt was approximately $398 billion. By the end of 2021, the national debt had risen to about $29.6 trillion.

To calculate the increase:

1. 2021 National Debt: approximately $29.6 trillion
2. 1971 National Debt: approximately $398 billion

First, convert $398 billion to trillions for consistency:

\[ 398 \text{ billion} = 0.398 \text{ trillion} \]

Now, calculate the increase:

\[ 29.6 \text{ trillion} - 0.398 \text{ trillion} = 29.202 \text{ trillion} \]

Therefore, the increase in the U.S. national debt from 1971 to 2021 is approximately **$29.202 trillion**.