SOLUTION: Need help solving other problems. I never know where to start with forming an equation. 1. Investing 30,000, part at 5% and the rest at 10%. What is the most I can invest at 5

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Question 317353: Need help solving other problems. I never know where to start with forming an equation.
1. Investing 30,000, part at 5% and the rest at 10%. What is the most I can invest
at 5% and still be guaranteed at least $2000 in interest per year?
2. If I can be paid for my skills in one of two ways, with 2 different plans.
Plan A: pays $300 plus $9.00 per hour.
Plan B: Straight $12.50 per hour
Now suppose that the job takes n hours. For what value of n is plan b better for me.
Please just explain how to figure out the equations, I would like to solve the equation myself if possible.

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1. Investing 30,000, part at 5% and the rest at 10%. What is the most I can invest at 5% and still be guaranteed at least $2000 in interest per year?
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Using two variable and two equations you get:
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Quantity Equation: x + y = 30,000 dollars
Interest Equation: 0.05x + 0.10y = 2000 dollars
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Multiply thru the 1st equation by 10.
Multiply thru the 2nd equation by 100:
Quant: 10x + 10y = 300000
Inter: 5x + 10y = 200000
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Subtract the 2nd from the 1st and solve for "x":
5x = 100,000
x = $20,0000 (amt. to be invested at 5%
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2. If I can be paid for my skills in one of two ways, with 2 different plans.
Plan A: pays $300 plus $9.00 per hour.
Equation A: A(n) = 300 + 900n
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Plan B: Straight $12.50 per hour
Equation B: B(n) = 12.50n
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Now suppose that the job takes n hours. For what value of n is plan b better for me.
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Solve for "n":
12.50n > 300 + 9n
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3.5n > 300
n > 85.71
Round up to get:
n >= 86 hours.
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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Please just explain how to figure out the equations