There are three steps to solving a math problem.
- Figure out what the problem is asking.
- Solve the problem.
- Check the answer.
Sample Problem
Some of the world's most expensive television sets cost $140,000 each.
If you deposit $400 in the bank and earn 10% interest every year, how many years will it be before you're able to buy this television set?
Answer.
1. Figure out what the problem is asking.
The problem is describing a geometric sequence. If you earn 10% interest per year, each year you'll have 1.1 times as much money as you did the previous year.
After one year you'll have
400(1.1),
after two years you'll have
400(1.1)(1.1),
and after n years you'll have
an = 400(1.1)n.
We want to know what value of n makes an ≥ 140,000.
2. Solve the problem.
Solve the inequality.
140,000 < an
140,000 < 400(1.1)n
350 < (1.1)n
log 1.1350 < n
61.46 < n
It would take 62 years before you had enough money to buy the television.
3. Check the answer.
We'll check the answer by finding a61 and a62.
After 61 years, the amount of money you have is
a61 = 400(1.1)61 = 133,971.92.
That's not quite enough. After 62 years you have
a62 = 400(1.1)62 = 147,369.11.
That's plenty.