To determine Tai Chan's balance in January of the next year, let's follow these steps:
1. Observe the Given Data:
The savings account balances for each month of the first year are given in the table. The balance in December is [tex]$15,500.
2. Determine the Monthly Increase:
By examining the monthly balances:
- January: $[/tex]10,000
- February: [tex]$10,500
- March: $[/tex]11,000
- and so on...
We notice that each month's balance is consistently [tex]$500 more than the previous month's balance.
3. Calculate the Balance for January of Next Year:
Since the savings habit continues consistently with the same monthly increase, we can determine the balance for the next month (i.e., January of the next year).
- Balance in December: $[/tex]15,500
- Monthly increase: [tex]$500
Therefore, the balance in January of next year will be:
\[
\text{Balance in January of next year} = \text{Balance in December} + \text{Monthly increase}
\]
\[
\text{Balance in January of next year} = \$[/tex]15,500 + \[tex]$500 = \$[/tex]16,000
\]
Thus, Tai Chan's balance in January of next year will be $16,000.
