CPM Homework Help : CCAA8 Problem 6-76

During a two-month period gasoline increased from $4.10 per gallon to $4.35 per gallon. Assuming prices increased in a geometric sequence, what was the monthly multiplier and what was the percent increase?

Hint:

To find the monthly multiplier, write an equation and solve for the variable.

New price = (original price)(multiplier for month 1)(multiplier for month 2)

Step 1:

$4.35 = $4.10(x)(x) or $4.35 = $4.10x²

Step 2:

$\frac{\$4.35}{\$4.10\ }=x^2$

Step 3:

$x=\sqrt{\frac{4.35}{4.10}}$

Answer:

x ≈ 1.03 Therefore the percent increase is 3%.