Sonia opened a savings account and then added the same amount to the savings account every week. After 5

weeks, her savings account had a total of $45
. After 10
weeks, her savings account had a total of $70
. Which equation represents the amount of money (y)
in dollars, in Sonia’s savings account after x
weeks?
A
y=7xy=7xy=7x
B
y=5x+20y=5x+20y=5x+20
C
y=2x+5y=2x+5y=2x+5
D
y=9xy=9xy=9x

1 answer

To determine the correct equation representing the amount of money \( y \) in Sonia's savings account after \( x \) weeks, we can analyze the information provided.

After 5 weeks, the total in the account is $45: \[ y = 45 \quad \text{when} \quad x = 5 \]

After 10 weeks, the total in the account is $70: \[ y = 70 \quad \text{when} \quad x = 10 \]

Let's denote the amount added each week as \( a \). Therefore, the total amount in the savings account can be represented by the equation: \[ y = a \cdot x + C \] where \( C \) is the initial amount in the account.

Step 1: Set up equations

Using the information from the 5th and 10th weeks, we can create the following equations:

  1. For \( x = 5 \): \[ y = a \cdot 5 + C = 45 \quad \text{(1)} \]

  2. For \( x = 10 \): \[ y = a \cdot 10 + C = 70 \quad \text{(2)} \]

Step 2: Subtract equations to eliminate \( C \)

Subtract equation (1) from equation (2): \[ (a \cdot 10 + C) - (a \cdot 5 + C) = 70 - 45 \]

This simplifies to: \[ 5a = 25 \]

Solving for \( a \): \[ a = 5 \]

Step 3: Substitute \( a \) back to find \( C \)

Now that we have \( a \), we can substitute it back into equation (1) to find \( C \): \[ 5 \cdot 5 + C = 45 \] \[ 25 + C = 45 \] \[ C = 20 \]

Step 4: Write the equation for \( y \)

We have found \( a = 5 \) and \( C = 20 \). Now we can write the equation for \( y \): \[ y = 5x + 20 \]

Select the correct option:

Based on the options provided, the correct equation is: B \( y = 5x + 20 \)