Algebra Word Problem: Investment Amounts

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Mack2002
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Algebra Word problem
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an algebra word problem involving investment amounts in stocks and bonds. Participants explore how to set up and solve the equations based on the given investment details and annual returns.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant introduces variables $S$ and $B$ for the amounts invested in stocks and bonds, respectively, and sets up the equations based on the problem statement.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about how to start the problem and seeks guidance on using mathematical symbols in replies.
  • A later post provides a complete solution to the problem, detailing the steps taken to arrive at the amounts invested in stocks and bonds.
  • One participant requests adherence to forum policy regarding providing complete solutions, emphasizing the importance of allowing the original poster to engage with the problem first.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the solution process, as some participants provide complete solutions while others emphasize the need for the original poster to engage with the problem first. The discussion reflects differing approaches to problem-solving and forum etiquette.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the problem and the forum's rules regarding assistance. There are unresolved aspects regarding the timing of responses and the appropriateness of providing complete solutions.

Mack2002
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Not sure how to start this one: Yolanda invests \$6000. Some of the money is invested in stocks paying 6% a year and some in bonds paying 11% per year. She receives a total of \$580 each year from these investments. How much money is invested in stocks and how much money in bonds?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Re: Algebra word problem

Hello, and welcome to MHB, Mack2002! (Wave)

Let's let $S$ be the amount invested in stocks, and $B$ be the amount invested in bonds. Right away, we know:

$$S+B=6000\tag{1}$$

and:

$$0.06S+0.11B=580$$

Let's multiply this second equation by 100 to get rid of the decimals:

$$6S+11B=58000\tag{2}$$

We now have two equations in two unknowns, so we can get an exact solution. Can you now proceed to use the methods for solving simultaneous linear equations you've likely been taught to complete the problem? If not, please show us what you've tried so we can see where you may be going wrong or are having difficulty. :D
 
Re: Algebra word problem

you're right mark
...by the way you spare no free thread for beginners lol
please I know I'm in the wrong section but where can I learn how to insert mathematical symbols while replying thanks in advance
 
Re: Algebra word problem

Amaterasu said:
you're right mark
...by the way you spare no free thread for beginners lol

I waited a respectable 56 minutes before replying...(Giggle)

Amaterasu said:
please I know I'm in the wrong section but where can I learn how to insert mathematical symbols while replying thanks in advance

MHB uses $\LaTeX$ powered by MathJax. We also provide tools for easily and quickly constructing and dynamically previewing your $\LaTeX$ code, and then inserting it into your post. In the "Quick $\LaTeX$" element to the right of the editor, you will find most commonly used symbols/commands are categorized via the drop-down menu below the "Symbol/Command Set:" and for each category, you simply click on the symbol or command to insert it into the active element, that is, where your cursor is located.
 
Re: Algebra word problem

Mack2002 said:
Not sure how to start this one: Yolanda invests \$6000. Some of the money is invested in stocks paying 6% a year and some in bonds paying 11% per year. She receives a total of \$580 each year from these investments. How much money is invested in stocks and how much money in bonds?

$$x+y=6000$$
$$.06x+.11y=580$$

From first equation, $$x=6000-y$$

Thus,
$$.06(6000-y)+.11y=580$$

$$360-.06y+.11y=580$$

$$y=4400$$

$$x=6000-y=1600$$

Therefore 1600 in 6% stocks and 4400 in 11% bonds
 
Re: Algebra word problem

I would ask that, by our policy, no one provide a complete solution to this problem until the OP has had at least 24 hours to reply to the initial help provided. Thank you. :D

Edit: Now that at least 24 hours has gone by since help was first posted, I have undeleted the post offering a full solution. The trampling of help already given is discouraged in our rules:

MHB Rule #14 said:
Do not explain hints prematurely. When you see someone already helping a member and waiting for the original poster to give feedback, do not give more hints or a full solution. Wait at least 24 hours for the original poster to respond.

Also, we have code in place to remind people who attempt to reply to threads where they are not the OP and they are not the last one to post in the thread and the last post has been made less than 24 hours ago, but we do understand how all of these measures we have taken can be less than 100% effective.

So, when we see that someone has trampled the help provided by another, our usual policy is to soft-delete the trampling post, and then restore it after the requisite 24 hours has passed. We want to get the OP involved in solving the problem, as most of us learn more by doing than by watching. This is why we take this policy so seriously. ;)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K