Math Problem Statement

Jose takes a job that offers a monthly starting salary of ​$3200 and guarantees him a monthly raise of ​$135 during his first year of training. Find the general term of this arithmetic sequence and his monthly salary at the end of his training.

Solution

This scenario represents an arithmetic sequence, where the starting salary is the first term, a1=3200a_1 = 3200, and the monthly raise is the common difference, d=135d = 135.

Step 1: General Term of the Arithmetic Sequence

The general term of an arithmetic sequence is given by:

an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n-1) \cdot d

Here:

  • a1=3200a_1 = 3200
  • d=135d = 135

Substitute the values into the formula:

an=3200+(n1)135a_n = 3200 + (n-1) \cdot 135

Simplify:

an=3200+135n135a_n = 3200 + 135n - 135

an=135n+3065a_n = 135n + 3065

Thus, the general term of the sequence is:

an=135n+3065a_n = 135n + 3065


Step 2: Monthly Salary at the End of the Training

Assume "end of training" is after 12 months, so we need to find a12a_{12}. Use the general term:

a12=135(12)+3065a_{12} = 135(12) + 3065

Calculate:

a12=1620+3065=4685a_{12} = 1620 + 3065 = 4685


Final Results:

  1. General term of the sequence: an=135n+3065a_n = 135n + 3065
  2. Monthly salary at the end of the training: $4685\$4685

Would you like further clarification on this, or need help with related problems? Here are 5 follow-up questions for further exploration:


  1. How would the sequence change if the monthly raise were increased to $200?
  2. What is the total amount Jose earns during his first year?
  3. How many months would it take for Jose’s monthly salary to exceed $5000?
  4. If the raises stop after the first year, what will Jose’s salary be after two years?
  5. How does this arithmetic sequence compare to a geometric sequence in terms of salary growth?

Tip: Always verify the formula by testing it with the first few terms of the sequence!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Linear Equations

Formulas

General term of an arithmetic sequence: a_n = a_1 + (n-1) * d

Theorems

Properties of Arithmetic Sequences

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11