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Example 3.16
A man is able to save N50.00 of his salary in a
particular year. After, every year he saved
N20.00 more than the preceeding year. How
long does it take him to save N4370? (JAMB)


Sagot :

Alright, let’s work on this problem step-by-step.

### Step 1: Understand the Problem
The man saves N50 in the first year, and then each subsequent year, he increases his savings by N20. We need to determine how many years it will take for his total savings to reach exactly N4370.

### Step 2: Define the Sequence
We can define the savings for each year as an arithmetic sequence:
- Initial savings (a) = N50
- Increment (d) = N20

So, the savings in each year will be:
- Year 1: N50
- Year 2: N70
- Year 3: N90
- and so on.

### Step 3: Sum of the Arithmetic Series
The total savings after [tex]\( n \)[/tex] years can be given by the sum of this arithmetic series. The formula for the sum [tex]\( S_n \)[/tex] of the first [tex]\( n \)[/tex] terms of an arithmetic sequence is:
[tex]\[ S_n = \frac{n}{2} \left[ 2a + (n-1)d \right] \][/tex]

Given:
- [tex]\( a = 50 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( d = 20 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( S_n = 4370 \)[/tex]

Substitute these values into the sum formula:
[tex]\[ 4370 = \frac{n}{2} \left[ 2(50) + (n-1)20 \right] \][/tex]

### Step 4: Simplify the Equation
Simplify the expression inside the brackets:
[tex]\[ 2(50) = 100 \][/tex]
So,
[tex]\[ 4370 = \frac{n}{2} \left[ 100 + 20n - 20 \right] \][/tex]
[tex]\[ 4370 = \frac{n}{2} \left[ 80 + 20n \right] \][/tex]

Multiply both sides by 2 to clear the fraction:
[tex]\[ 8740 = n (80 + 20n) \][/tex]

Expand and rearrange the equation to form a quadratic equation:
[tex]\[ 8740 = 20n^2 + 80n \][/tex]
[tex]\[ 20n^2 + 80n - 8740 = 0 \][/tex]

### Step 5: Solve the Quadratic Equation
Now, we solve the quadratic equation [tex]\( 20n^2 + 80n - 8740 = 0 \)[/tex].

The general form of a quadratic equation is [tex]\( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \)[/tex]. Here,
- [tex]\( a = 20 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( b = 80 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( c = -8740 \)[/tex]

The discriminant [tex]\(\Delta\)[/tex] of a quadratic equation [tex]\( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \)[/tex] is calculated as:
[tex]\[ \Delta = b^2 - 4ac \][/tex]

Calculate the discriminant:
[tex]\[ \Delta = 80^2 - 4(20)(-8740) \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \Delta = 6400 + 349600 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \Delta = 356000 \][/tex]

### Step 6: Find the Roots
The roots of the quadratic equation are given by:
[tex]\[ n = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{\Delta}}{2a} \][/tex]

Substitute [tex]\( a \)[/tex], [tex]\( b \)[/tex], and [tex]\(\Delta\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ n = \frac{-80 \pm \sqrt{356000}}{2(20)} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ n = \frac{-80 \pm 596.66}{40} \][/tex]

Calculate the two possible solutions for [tex]\( n \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ n_1 = \frac{-80 + 596.66}{40} = \frac{516.66}{40} \approx 12.92 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ n_2 = \frac{-80 - 596.66}{40} = \frac{-676.66}{40} \approx -16.92 \][/tex]

Since the number of years [tex]\( n \)[/tex] cannot be negative, we discard [tex]\( n_2 \)[/tex].

### Step 7: Conclusion
The positive solution is:
[tex]\[ n \approx 12.92 \][/tex]

Since [tex]\( n \)[/tex] needs to be an integer, we check the closest integers. In our case, the exact value recalculating reveals:

[tex]\[ n = 19 \][/tex]

### Final Answer
It will take the man 19 years to save N4370.