The Richest Woman in Babylon

By: Denise Natasha Brewley

Solution to Problem

We must consider the following equation,

y = (.01)2^b, for b > 0

We want to know when will the woman be a billionaire.  So we obtain the following and solve for b.

1000000000 = (.01)2^b

1000000000/.01 = 2^b

ln(1000000000/.01) = ln2^b

ln(1000000000/.01) = bln2

25.33 = .69b

b = 36.54 about 37

So, it will only take her an additional nine days to become a billionaire.  She is actually became a millionaire on Day 28.  This is only about a two thirds less the time it took her to become a millionaire.

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