Final answer:
After applying a 5% annual raise to the current salary of $36,000 over three years, the union member's salary will be $41,674.50.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves calculating the future salary after applying a 5% annual raise over a period of three years. Assuming the union member currently earns $36,000, the salary after the first year would be $36,000 plus a 5% raise, which is $36,000 * 1.05. After the second year, this new salary is raised by an additional 5%, and so on.
The calculation of the salary after three years would be:
- Year 1: $36,000 * 1.05 = $37,800
- Year 2: $37,800 * 1.05 = $39,690
- Year 3: $39,690 * 1.05 = $41,674.50
Therefore, the union member's salary after three years would be $41,674.50.