Tina is saving to buy a notebook computer. She has two options. The first option is to $400 away initially and save $30 every month. The second option is to pit $100 away initially and save $50 every month. After how many months would Tina save the same amount using either option? How much would she save with either option?

Let n represent the number of months after Tina would save the same amount using either option.

400 + 30n = 100 + 50n

400 + 30n - 30n = 100 + 50n - 30n Subtraction Property of Equality

400 = 100 + 20n Combine like terms.

400 - 100=100 + 20n - 100 Subtraction Property of Equality

300 = 20n

300

20

=

20n

20

15 months=n

After 15 months, Tina will save the same amount using either option.

400 + 30 (15) = 100 + 50 (15)

400 + 450=100 + 750

850 = 850

After 15 months, Tina will save $850 with either option.