16Hit1600
AlgebraMediumStarting balance from two later balances

Algebra practice question

A savings account's balance grows by the same amount each month. After 2 months it holds $90 and after 5 months it holds $120. How many dollars did it hold at the start?

Answer: 70

The monthly growth is 30/3 = 10, so the start was 90 − 20 = 70.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 10
10 is the monthly growth.
If you answered 60
60 subtracts 30 from 90.
If you answered 80
80 subtracts only one month's growth.

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