Arithmetic Readiness Examining a savings plan for college Jane wants to attend a college that will cost her \( \$ 18,800 \) for the first year. To pay for it, her aunt gave \( \$ 2000 \). Jane is also going to start saving \( \$ 175 \) per month. How many years will it take Jane to save en cost? \( \square \) years

To determine how many years it will take for Jane to save enough for her college expenses, we first calculate how much more she needs after her aunt's contribution. This is \( \$ 18,800 - \$ 2,000 = \$ 16,800 \). Next, we need to know how much she saves annually. Since Jane saves \( \$ 175 \) per month, this amounts to \( 175 \times 12 = \$ 2,100 \) per year. Now, we divide the amount she still needs by her annual savings: \[ \text{Years} = \frac{\$ 16,800}{\$ 2,100} \approx 8 \] So, it will take Jane approximately \( 8 \) years to save enough for her college expenses! Here's a fun thought: saving for college is like planting a tree! The more care and effort you put into it each month, the bigger and stronger your financial "tree" will grow over the years, ready to support your educational journey! In the real world, many students find that setting up a specific savings plan, like a high-yield savings account, can amplify their efforts. Additionally, exploring scholarships or part-time jobs can accelerate your financial goals, making the burden lighter and the journey to college even more rewarding!