Question

During a radio contest, $50 is added to the prize money each time a caller answers the contest question incorrectly. If the first caller has a chance to win $100, which equation finds the amount the 10th caller receives, if the 10th is the first to answer the question correctly?

Answer 1

First caller = $100
nth caller = $(100 + 50n)

10th caller = $(100 + 50(10)) = $600

Anwer: $600

Answer 2

Prize money for first caller = $100

Amount added after every incorrect answer = $50

When 10th caller gives answer correctly, this means all the previous 9 callers gave incorrect answers.

Prize money for 10th caller = $100 + amount added for 9 incorrect answers

= $100 + 9 * ($50)

= $100 + $450

= $550

Hence, Prize money for 10th caller = $550