How to translate and analysis the following sentence?
"The machine costs $150.How much less will the account be worth in 8 years if she buys the karaoke machine now versus leaving the account untouched?"

Context:
Bridgette’s grandparents opened a savings account for her and placed $500 in the account. The account pays 3.5% interest. Bridgette wants to be a singer and she has her heart set on a new karaoke machine. The machine costs $150.How much less will the account be worth in 8 years if she buys the karaoke machine now versus leaving the account untouched?

I don't know how to understand the last sentence especaially the part "versus leaving the account". Does this part change the meaning of the last sentence? Is this part only for comparison and can be removed.

Thank you!

Question

How to translate and analysis the following sentence?
"The machine costs $150.How much less will the account be worth in 8 years if she buys the karaoke machine now versus leaving the account untouched?"

Context: 
Bridgette’s grandparents opened a savings account for her and placed $500 in the account. The account pays 3.5% interest. Bridgette wants to be a singer and she has her heart set on a new karaoke machine. The machine costs $150.How much less will the account be worth in 8 years if she buys the karaoke machine now versus leaving the account untouched?

I don't know how to understand the last sentence especaially the part "versus leaving the account". Does this part change the meaning of the last sentence? Is this part only for comparison and can be removed.

Thank you!

Answer

The word "versus" means that you have to compare the amount of money Bridgette will have in the bank after 8 years if:
A. She BUYS the karaoke machine now ($500 - $150 = $350);
B. She does NOT BUY (leaving the account untouched) the karaoke machine  ($500 - $0 = $500).

In other words, A versus B or $350 versus $500..

Answer

The last part could be removed, but it would be much more clear to leave it. In other words, what is the difference between $500 compounded annually at 3.5% for eight years and $350 compounded annually for eight years at 3.5%. I assume the interest is compounded.

Answers · 3

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!