• 500 New SAT Math Problems – Just 19.99 Today Only
    June 30, 2024

    500 New SAT Math Problems

    500 New SAT Math Problems
    Just 19.99 on Amazon

    Hi everyone! The latest edition of 500 New SAT Math Problems is now available in paperback from Amazon. This edition just has been modified from the previous edition to account for the changes on the Digital SAT.

    The paperback is now on sale on Amazon for only $19.99. Note that once the sale ends (by the end of today), the price of this book will go up to $42.99. 

    The promotion has ended. Thanks to everyone who participated. The book is now available at its regular price here: 500 New SAT Math Problems

    If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at steve@SATPrepGet800.com 

    Thank you all for your continued support!

    A Trick For Free Two Day Shipping

    I would like to finish this post with a little trick you can use to get free 2 day shipping on any of the books you decide to purchase without making any additional purchases. If you have never used Amazon Prime you can sign up for a free month using the following link.

    Sign Up For Amazon Prime For Free

    If you have already had a free trial of Amazon Prime you can simply open up a new Amazon account to get a new free trial. It just takes a few minutes! You will need to use a different email address than the one you usually use.

    This next part is very important! After you finish your transaction, go to your Account, select “Manage my prime membership,” and turn off the recurring billing. This way in a month’s time Amazon will not start charging you for the service.

    After shutting off the recurring billing you will still continue to receive the benefit of free 2 day shipping for one month. This means that as long as you use this new Amazon account for your purchases you can do all of your shopping on Amazon for the next month without having to worry about placing minimum orders to get free shipping.

    Just be aware that certain products from outside sellers do not always qualify for free shipping, so please always check over your bill carefully before you check out.

    Well I hope you decide to take advantage of this very special offer, or at the very least I hope you will benefit from my Amazon “free 2 day shipping trick.” Here is the link one more time:

    Sign Up For Amazon Prime For Free

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  • Hard Trigonometry Problem for the SAT
    June 11, 2016

    Hard Trigonometry Problem
    Hard Trigonometry Problem

    The SAT contains a very small number of trigonometry questions. Today I would like to provide an example of a particularly hard trigonometry problem that could show up.

    Level 5 – Trigonometry

    It is given that cos xk, where π < x < 3π/2 and is the radian measure of an angle. If cos z = –k, which of the following could not be the value of  ?

    (A) x – π
    (B) π – x
    (C) 2π – x
    (D) 3π x

    Please feel free to post your solutions or attempted solutions in the comments below and we can discuss the best way to solve the problem. I will post several solutions to this problem tomorrow.

    More Hard SAT Math Practice Problems

    For many more hard SAT math problems like these, each with several fully explained solutions, check out the Get 800 collection of SAT math prep books.

    Get 800 SAT Prep Books

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  • Multiplying Polynomials The Easy Way On Standardized Tests
    June 10, 2016

    Multiplying Polynomials The Easy Way

    Multiplying Polynomials FOIL
    To FOIL or Not to FOIL

    Most students are familiar with the mnemonic FOIL to help them multiply two binomials (polynomials with 2 terms) together. As a simple example, we have

    (+ 1)(x – 2) = x– 2x – 2 = x– x – 2

    I do not particularly like teaching this method for multiplying binomials for the following reasons:

    1. This method works ONLY for binomials. It does not extend to polynomials with more than 2 terms.
    2. It requires learning something new. There is already an algorithm that works very well that simulates a method students already know.
    3. Most students after learning HOW to FOIL will not be able to explain WHY it works.
    4. From a theoretical point of view it is inefficient. FIOL is actually the better choice.

    Some of you might be saying “But FOIL is so simple and easy to remember. What can possibly be better?” The answer is an algorithm that everyone already knows.

    multiplying polynomials and numbers
    Quick Review of Multiplication

    As a quick review, let’s multiply two 2-digit numbers together, say 12 and 32:

    12
    32

    We begin by multiplying the 2 on the bottom by each digit on top, moving from right to left:

    12
    32
    24

    We then multiply the 3 on the bottom by each digit on top, moving from right to left. This time as we write the answers we leave one blank space on the right:

    12
    32
    24
    36     

    Finally, we add:

    12
    32
    24
    36     
    384

    Voila!

    multiplying polynomials cute
    A Better Algorithm For Multiplying Polynomials

    We are now going to use essentially the same algorithm for multiplying our first two binomials above together. Notice that for multiplying numbers I chose an example where no carrying was necessary. When multiplying polynomials you will NEVER have to carry.

    + 1
    x – 2

    We begin by multiplying the -2 on the bottom by each term on top, moving from right to left. First note that -2 times 1 is -2:

    + 1
    x – 2
         –2

    Next note that -2 times x is -2x:

    + 1
    x – 2
    –2x – 2     

    Now we multiply the x on the bottom by each term on top, moving from right to left. This time as we write the answers we leave one blank space on the right:

    + 1
    x – 2
    –2x – 2     
    x2 x               

    Finally, we add:

    + 1
    x – 2
    –2x – 2     
    x2 + x               
    x2 – x – 2       

    A “Harder” Example

    One of the nicest things about this method of multiplying polynomials is that it can be used to multiply ANY two polynomials together  (not just binomials). For example, let’s multiply the trinomials x2 + 2x – 1 and 2x2 – x + 3 together.

        x2 + 2x – 1
        2x –   x + 3   
    3x2 + 6x – 3  
    x3 – 2x +  x                     
    2x4 + 4x3  2x2                                    
    2x4 + 3x3  – x +   7x – 3                        

    Summary and Further Exploration

    To summarize, the algorithm I illustrated in this post is better than FOILING for the following reasons:

    1. This method works for multiplying ANY two polynomials together, whereas FOIL works ONLY for binomials.
    2. Everyone already essentially knows this algorithm from elementary school.
    3. It is much easier to see WHY this algorithm works. I’m going to leave the “why” as an exercise.

    Let me leave you a few problems to practice on your own as well as some theoretical questions.

    Exercises

    1. Multiply the polynomials 3x4 + 5x3  x2 + x – 1 and 2x3  3x2 + x – 4.
    2. Explain why the algorithm presented here works. In particular, how is the distributive property being used?
    3. Show that FOIL is equivalent to the distributive property.
    4. Why is FIOL more efficient than FOIL? In other words which property of the real numbers do you need to FOIL that you DO NOT need to FIOL?

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    See you tomorrow…

  • Trigonometry of the Right Triangle – Part 2 – SAT and ACT Prep
    June 9, 2016

    Right Triangle Trigonometry – Part 2

    Last week I began going over the fundamentals of right triangle trigonometry. I suggest that you review the material in that post before continuing on with this one. You can find that post here: Right Triangle Trigonometry – Part 1

    Let’s quickly review the six basic trigonometric functions

    ACT Trigonometry

    Trig Functions ACT

    Very often in trigonometry problems on standardized tests the Pythagorean Theorem is needed to get the final answer.

    The Pythagorean Theorem: If a right triangle has legs of length a and b, and a hypotenuse of length c, then c2 = a2 + b2.

    Example 3

    TrigAnswers3

    Notes: (1) The most common Pythagorean triples are 3,4,5 and 5, 12, 13. Two others that may come up are 8, 15, 17 and 7, 24, 25.

    (2) If you don’t remember the Pythagorean triple 5, 12, 13, you can use the Pythagorean Theorem:

    Here we have 52 + b2 = 132. Therefore 25 + b2 = 169. Subtracting 25 from each side of this equation gives b2 = 169 – 25 = 144. So b = 12.

    (3) The equation b2 = 144 would normally have solutions b = 12 and b = –12. But the length of a side of a triangle cannot be negative, so we reject –12.

    More Trigonometry Practice Problems

    If you are preparing for the ACT, SAT or an SAT math subject test, you may want to take a look at one of the books from the Get 800 collection of test prep books.

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  • Basic Trigonometry of the Right Triangle – SAT and ACT Prep
    June 8, 2016

    Right Triangle Trigonometry

    trig

    Today I would like to begin talking about right triangle trigonometry. If you will be taking the ACT or one of the SAT math subject tests, and you are going for a very high score, then it is important that you understand the material covered here.

    Let’s begin by focusing on angle A in the following picture

    ACT Trigonometry

    Note that the hypotenuse is ALWAYS the side opposite the right angle.

    The other two sides of the right triangle, called the legs, depend on which angle is chosen. In this picture we chose to focus on angle A. Therefore the opposite side is BC, and the adjacent side is AC. 

    Now you should simply memorize how to compute the six trig functions:

    Trig Functions ACT

    Here are a couple of tips to help you remember these:

    (1) Many students find it helpful to use the word SOHCAHTOA. You can think of the letters here as representing sin, opp, hyp, cos, adj, hyp, tan, opp, adj.

    (2) The three trig functions on the right are the reciprocals of the three trig functions on the left. In other words, you get them by interchanging the numerator and denominator. It’s pretty easy to remember that the reciprocal of tangent is cotangent. For the other two, just remember that the “s” goes with the “c” and the “c” goes with the “s.” In other words, the reciprocal of sine is cosecant, and the reciprocal of cosine is secant.

    Note that if you are preparing for the ACT or Level 1 SAT math subject test, then it is not that important for you to know the reciprocal trig functions given in the right hand column, but it also couldn’t hurt to be somewhat familiar with them.

    Example 1

    To make sure you understand this, compute all six trig functions for each of the angles (except the right angle) in the triangle below.

    Trigonometry Problem

    I suggest you try this yourself before looking at the answers:

    Trig Answers ACT

    Example 2

    In the right triangle pictured below, ab, and c  and  are the lengths of its sides. What is the value of cos A ?

    Trigonometry ACT

    TrigAnswers2

    It’s quite easy if you know the rules.

    Next week I will continue this thread by providing you with some more difficult examples.

    More Trigonometry Practice Problems

    If you are preparing for the ACT, SAT or an SAT math subject test, you may want to take a look at one of the books from the Get 800 collection of test prep books.

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  • AP Calculus AB Exam Changes For 2016-2017
    June 7, 2016

    320 AP Calculus AB Problems
    AP Calculus AB Exam Changes

    The AP Calculus exams are going through a few small changes, and so I have been updating my AP Calculus prep books to account for these changes. The revised version of the book for the AB exam is now ready. Here is a link to the book’s Amazon page: 320 AP Calculus AB Problems

    The following changes are being made to the AP Calculus AB exam beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year:

    1. Multiple choice questions will have only 4 answer choices instead of 5.
    2. The distribution of multiple choice questions will be modified slightly as follows: The “no calculator allowed” portion (Part A) will now consist of 30 questions (up from 28) and you will have 60 minutes (up from 55). The “calculator required” portion (Part B) will now consist of 15 questions (down from 17) and you will have 45 minutes (down from 50).
    3. One new topic has been added: L’Hôpital’s rule*

    * Note that there have always been problems on the AP Calculus AB exam where L’Hôpital’s rule could be used. The difference now is that problems may show up where L’Hôpital’s rule must be used. This is a very minor addition to the exam.

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  • Solutions To Challenging Math Questions
    June 6, 2016

    Challenging Math Questions
    Challenging Math Questions – Solutions

    Last week I gave you some challenging math questions to work on. Click the following link to see last week’s post: Some Challenging Mathematics To Raise Mathematical Maturity

    Today I will provide solutions to each of those questions.

    Challenging Math Questions subset

    Warm-up Exercises

    Recall that a set B is a subset of a set A if every element of B is an element of A. For example, if A = {1,2,3,4,5,6} and B = {4,5,6}, then B is a subset of A. Also { } is the emptyset, the unique set consisting of no elements.

    1. How many subsets does { } have? List them.

    { } is a subset of every set. In particular, { } is a subset of itself. This is the only subset of { }.

    So { } has 1 subset, namely { }. (Note that 1 = 20)

    1. How many subsets does {1} have? List them.

    {1} has 2 subsets: { } and {1}. (Note that 2 = 21)

    1. List the subsets of {1, 2}, {1, 2, 3}, and {1, 2, 3, 4}.

    {1, 2} has 4 subsets. They are { } , {1}, {2}, and {1,2}. (Note that 4 = 22)

    {1, 2, 3} has 8 subsets: { } , {1}, {2}, {1,2}, {3}, {1,3}, {2,3}, and {1,2,3}. (Note that 8 = 23)

    {1, 2, 3, 4} has 16 subsets: { } , {1}, {2}, {1,2}, {3}, {1,3}, {2,3}, {1,2,3}, {4}, {1,4}, {2,4}, {1,2,4}, {3,4}, {1,3,4}, {2,3,4}, and {1,2,3, 4}. (Note that 16 = 24)

    1. How many subsets does the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8} have?

    Following the pattern in the previous examples {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8} has 28 = 256 subsets.

    1. How many subsets does the set {1,…, n} have where n is a positive integer.

    {1,…,n} has 2n subsets.

    Theoretical Exercise

    1. Give a proof of the result from problem 5.

    Solution by Mathematical Induction: The base case is problem 1.

    For the inductive step, suppose that every set A with k elements has 2k subsets. Let B be a set with k+1 elements, and let x be any element of B. By assumption there are 2k subsets of B that do not contain x, and 2n subsets of B that do contain x, for a total of

    2k+ 2k = 2(2k) = 2k+1

    subsets. By the Principle of Mathematical Induction {1,…,n} has 2n subsets for all integers n ≥ 0.

    Remarks:

    (i) The Principle of Mathematical Induction says that if a statement is true for n = 0, and the truth of the statement for k implies the truth for k + 1, then the statement is true for all integers n ≥ 0.

    (ii) Note that the lists chosen in problems 2 and 3 emulate the proof given here.

    Solution by counting: There are nCk subsets of {1,…, n} with k elements. So all together there are nC0 + nC1 +…+ nCn= (1 + 1)n = 2n subsets of {1,…, n}.

    Remarks:

    (i) nCk means the number of combinations of n things taken k at a time. In a combination order does not matter (as opposed to the permutation nPk where the order does matter).

    nCk = n!/[k!(nk)!]

    We don’t actually need to do any of these computations for this problem.

    (ii) Here we have used the Binomial Theorem with x = y = 1:

    (x + y)n = nC0 xny0 + nC1 xn-1y1 +…+ nCn-1 x1yn-1 + nCn x0yn

    (1 + 1)n = nC0 1n10 + nC1 1n-111 +…+ nCn-1 111n-1 + nCn 101n

    2n = nC0  + nC1 +…+ nCn-1 + nCn

    Challenging Math Questions selfish

    Advanced Exercises

    Recall that a set is selfish if the number of elements it has is in the set. For example, X10 = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10} is selfish because it has 10 elements, and 10 is in the set. A selfish set is minimal if none of its proper subsets is also selfish. For example, the set X10 is not a minimal selfish set because {1} is a selfish subset. Let  Xn = {1,…,n}.

    1. How many selfish subsets does Xn have where n is a positive integer?

    Let’s start with some simple examples.

    X1 = {1} has 1 selfish subset, namely {1} itself.

    The selfish subsets of X2 = {1,2} are {1} and {1,2}, so that X2 has 2 selfish subsets.

    The selfish subsets of X3 = {1,2,3} are {1}, {1,2}, {2,3}, and {1,2,3}, so that X3 has 4 selfish subsets.

    The selfish subsets of X4 = {1,2,3,4} are {1}, {1,2}, {2,3}, {1,2,3}, {2,4}, {1,3,4}, {2,3,4} and {1,2,3,4}, so that X4 has 8 selfish subsets.

    In general, it looks like Xn has 2n-1 selfish subsets.

    To see this, note that there are n-1Ck-1 selfish subsets of {1,…,n} with k elements (we must choose k, and then we choose k – 1 elements from the remaining n – 1 elements). So all together there are

    n-1C0 + n-1C1 +…+ n-1Cn-1 = (1 + 1)n-1 = 2n-1

    selfish subsets of {1,…,n}.

    1. List the minimal selfish subsets of Xn for n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

    X1 has 1 minimal selfish subset, namely {1}.

    X2 has 1 minimal selfish subsets, namely {1}. (Note that {1,2} is selfish, but not minimal because {1} is a selfish subset.)

    X3 has 2 minimal selfish subsets, namely { 1} and {2,3}.

    X4 has 3 minimal selfish subsets, namely {1}, {2,3}, and {2,4}.

    X5 has 5 minimal selfish subsets. They are {1}, {2,3}, {2,4}, {2,5}, and {3,4,5}.

    X6 has 8 minimal selfish subsets. They are {1}, {2,3}, {2,4}, {2,5}, {3,4,5}, {2,6}, {3,4,6}, and {3,5,6}.

    1. How many minimal selfish subsets does X10 have?

    Following the pattern, it looks like X7 has 8 + 5 = 13 minimal selfish subsets, X8 has 13 + 8 = 21, X9 has 21 + 13 = 34, and X10 has 34 + 21 = 55 minimal selfish subsets.

    1. In terms of n, how many minimal selfish subsets does the set Xn have?

    Xn has fn minimal selfish subsets where fn is the nth term of the Fibonacci sequence.

    Remark: The Fibonacci sequence is the sequence

    fn = fn-1 + fn-2,  f1 = f2 = 1.

    The first few terms of the Fibonacci sequence are

    1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, …

    1. Give a proof of the result from problem 10.

    We will prove this by the Principle of Strong Induction on n, with the base case of n = 1 and n = 2 already complete. Assume that k > 2 and that Xr has fr minimal selfish subsets for each r < k. Each minimal selfish subset of Xk-1 is a minimal selfish subset of Xk, and if A is a minimal selfish subset of Xk-2, then the set A’ formed by adding 1 to each element of A, and throwing in k, is a minimal selfish subset of Xk. This yields fk-1 + fk-2 = fk minimal selfish subsets of Xk. Conversely, note that if a minimal selfish subset of Xk does not contain k, then it is a minimal selfish subset of Xk-1, and if a minimal selfish subset of Xk does contain k, then if we delete k and subtract 1 from each of the remaining elements we get a minimal selfish subset of Xk-2. Thus there are exactly  fk minimal selfish subsets of Xk.

    Remark: The Principle of Strong Induction says that if a statement is true for n = 0 (or more generally n = m), and the truth of the statement for all r < k implies the truth for k, then the statement is true for all integers n ≥ 0 (or more generally nm).

    If you liked this article, please share it with your Facebook friends:

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    If you would like to begin learning more advanced mathematics, check out my math books Pure Mathematics for Beginners, Set Theory for Beginners, and Topology for Beginners. These books contain no prerequisites and are perfect for anyone just starting out in theoretical math. You can get them all for one low price by clicking on the image below.

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  • Some Challenging Mathematics To Raise Mathematical Maturity
    June 5, 2016

    challenging mathematics maturity
    Challenging Mathematics to Raise Mathematical Maturity

    I like to define mathematical maturity as “one’s ability to analyze, understand, and communicate mathematics.” Students with higher levels of mathematical maturity are more likely to perform well on standardized math tests. For more information about mathematical maturity, click on the following link: Mathematical Maturity

    challenging mathematics sign
    Challenging Mathematics

    Today I would like to challenge you a bit while helping you take some steps toward increasing your level of mathematical maturity by presenting you with some more difficult mathematics.  Solutions to the questions below will be provided in tomorrow’s blog post, but please post your solutions or partial solutions in the comments below.

    challenging mathematics subset

    Basic Definition

    The first few questions will use the following definition:  B is a subset of a set A if every element of B is an element of A.

    For example, if A = {1,2,3,4,5,6} and B = {4,5,6}, then B is a subset of A.

    As another example, if = {a,b}, then all of the subsets of are { }, {a}, {b}, and {a,b} (here { } is the emptyset, the unique set consisting of no elements).

    Warm-up Exercises

    1. How many subsets does { } have? List them.
    2. How many subsets does {1} have? List them.
    3. List the subsets of {1,2}, {1,2,3}, and {1,2,3,4}.
    4. How many subsets does the set {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8} have?
    5. How many subsets does the set {1,…,n} have where n is a positive integer.

    Theoretical Exercise

    1. Give a proof of the result from problem 5.

    There are several methods that can be used for number 6. I personally prefer to use Mathematical Induction. Those of you that know this method should give it a try. More information can be found at this Wikipedia page: Mathematical Induction

    There are several other methods that can be used as well. Please post your attempts at this problem in the comments.

    Now let’s take a look at some more advanced concepts.

    challenging mathematics selfish
    Advanced Definitions

    Define a set to be selfish if the number of elements it has is in the set.

    For example, X10 = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10} is selfish because it has 10 elements, and 10 is in the set.

    A selfish set is minimal if none of its proper subsets is also selfish.

    For example, the set X10 is not a minimal selfish set because {1} is a selfish subset.

    Let  Xn = {1,…,n}.

    Advanced Exercises

    1. How many selfish subsets does Xn have where n is a positive integer?
    2. List the minimal selfish subsets of Xn for n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
    3. How many minimal selfish subsets does X10 have?
    4. In terms of n, how many minimal selfish subsets does the set Xn have?
    5. Give a proof of the result from problem 10.

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    Solutions will be provided tomorrow.

    If you would like to begin learning more advanced mathematics, check out my math books Pure Mathematics for Beginners, Set Theory for Beginners, and Topology for Beginners. These books contain no prerequisites and are perfect for anyone just starting out in theoretical math. You can get them all for one low price by clicking on the image below.

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  • Hard Problem Solving Question with Solution for the Revised SAT
    June 4, 2016

    euros
    Hard Problem Solving Question

    Last week I gave you a Level 5 Problem Solving question for the revised SAT to try. Today I will provide a solution for this problem. If you have not yet attempted the problem go back and take a look at it first so you can try it on your own. Here is the link: Hard Problem Solving Question for the Revised SAT

    Level 5 – Problem Solving

    Here is the problem once again followed by a solution:

    John, a United States resident, is on vacation in Spain and is trying to decide if he should use his own credit card from the U.S., or to purchase a prepaid credit card for 500 euros in Spain.

    The bank that issues John’s U.S. credit card converts all purchase prices at the foreign exchange rate for that day, and an additional fee of 6% of the converted cost is applied before the bank posts the charge.

    If John decides to purchase the prepaid card, he can use this card spending dollars at the exchange rate for that day with no fee, but he loses any money left unspent on the card.

    Suppose that John does decide to buy the prepaid card. What is the least number of the 500 euros John must spend for the prepaid card to have been the cheaper option? Round your answer to the nearest whole number of euros.

    Solution: If we let d be the cost of the 500 euro card in dollars, and we let e be John’s total purchases on the prepaid card in euros, we need

    < 1.06(d/500)e.

    We can divide each side of this inequality by d to get 1 < e(1.06/500), and then multiply each side of this last equation by 500/1.06 to get 500/1.06 < e, or equivalently e > 471.698 .

    So the least number of the 500 euros John must spend is 472.

    For an even more detailed  solution to this problem check out  New SAT Math Problems arranged by Topic and Difficulty Level.

    More Hard SAT Math Practice Problems

    For many more hard SAT math problems like these, each with several fully explained solutions, check out New SAT Math Problems arranged by Topic and Difficulty Level. Click on the picture below for more information about this book.

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  • Hard Problem Solving Question for the Revised SAT
    June 3, 2016

    euros
    Hard Problem Solving Question

    Today I would like to provide an example of a hard “problem solving” question that could show up on the revised SAT. You can use your calculator for this one.

    Level 5 – Problem Solving

    John, a United States resident, is on vacation in Spain and is trying to decide if he should use his own credit card from the U.S., or to purchase a prepaid credit card for 500 euros in Spain.

    The bank that issues John’s U.S. credit card converts all purchase prices at the foreign exchange rate for that day, and an additional fee of 6% of the converted cost is applied before the bank posts the charge.

    If John decides to purchase the prepaid card, he can use this card spending dollars at the exchange rate for that day with no fee, but he loses any money left unspent on the card.

    Suppose that John does decide to buy the prepaid card. What is the least number of the 500 euros John must spend for the prepaid card to have been the cheaper option? Round your answer to the nearest whole number of euros.

    Please feel free to post your solutions or attempted solutions in the comments below and we can discuss the best way to solve the problem. I will post a solution to this problem tomorrow.

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  • The Arithmetic Sequence Formula – ACT Prep
    June 2, 2016

    The Arithmetic Sequence Formula

    Cuisenaire Rods

    Welcome back. Today I would like to conclude our discussion on arithmetic sequences that we began a few days ago. I recommend that you reread the first two posts on this topic before you move on to this one. Here are the links:

    Arithmetic Sequences – Part One

    Arithmetic Sequences – Part Two

    Recall that an arithmetic sequence is a sequence of numbers such that the difference  between consecutive terms is constant. The number d is called the common difference of the arithmetic sequence. In this post I would like to give a very formal method for solving problems involving arithmetic sequences. Note that it is not necessary to learn this material in order to answer these types of questions on the ACT or SAT math subject tests, but every now and then the method given here gives a quicker way to solve a problem.

    The arithmetic sequence formula

    More advanced students may already know the arithmetic sequence formula:

    a_n=a_1+(n-1)d

    In this formula an is the nth term of the sequence. For example, a1 is the first term of the sequence.

    Example 1

    In the arithmetic sequence 20, 15, 10, 5, 0, -5, -10,… we have a= 20 and d = -5. Therefore we have

    a_n=20+(n-1)(-5)=20-5n+5=25-5n

    So for example, the 50th term of this arithmetic sequence is

    a_{50}=25-5(50)=-225

    Let’s revisit the second example from last week, but this time we will give a solution using the arithmetic sequence formula.

    Example 2

    Each term of a certain sequence is greater than the term before it. The difference between any two consecutive terms in the sequence is always the same number. If the fifth and ninth terms of the sequence are 33 and 97, respectively, what is the twelfth term?

    Solution: Substituting 5 in for n and 33 in for an into the arithmetic sequence formula gives us

    33 = a1 + 4d.

    Similarly, substituting 9 in for n and 97 in for an into the arithmetic sequence formula gives us

     97 = a1 + 8d.

    So we solve the following system of equations to find d.

    97 = a1 + 8d
    33 = a1 + 4d
    64 =        4d

    The last equation comes from subtraction. We now divide each side of this last equation by 4 to get

    d = 16.

    Finally, we add 16 to 97 three times to get 97 + 16(3) = 145.

    Note that this solution is definitely more tedious than the previous solution from last week’s post. I usually prefer identifying arithmetic sequences with linear equations.

    More Problems Involving Arithmetic Sequences

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