Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Problem of the Week #1

Spring Into Action and Solve this Math Problem for Extra Credit

The Million $ Mission




You're sitting in math class, minding your own business, when in walks a Bill Gates kind of guy - the real success story of your school. He's made it big, and now he has a job offer for you.

He doesn't give too many details, mumbles something about the possibility of danger. He's going to need you for 30 days, and you'll have to miss school. (Won't that just be too awful?) And you've got to make sure your passport's current. (Get real, Bill, this ain't Paris). But do you ever sit up at the next thing he says.

You'll have your choice of two payment options:
  1. One cent on the first day, two cents on the second day, and double your salary every day thereafter for the thirty days; or


  2. Exactly $1,000,000. (That's one million dollars!)
I jump up out of my seat at that. You've got your man, Bill, right here. I'll take that million. I'm out of here. And off you go on this dangerous million-dollar mission.
So how smart was this guy? Did he make the best choice? Show your work to support the choice you think is best.

(courtesy of Cynthia Lanius)