The Challenge:High School VS College

In 1979 U.S. workers who were college graduates earned approximately 50 percent more than workers with high school diplomas only. Over the past 17 years, that gap has widened. According to the United States Department of Labor, today's college grad earns almost 100 percent more.

U.S. Census figures show that in 1994, a graduate of high school only, earned $20,248 while workers with four years of college earned $37,224. In 1979, those same workers earned $10,624 and $16,514 respectively. Determine how much the gap between these two types of workers has widened since 1979. In addition to calculating an answer, be sure to clearly communicate your solution.

The Solution:

Should you decide to ponder the problem and accept the challenge, communicate your solution to Mister Goodmath at "rooneym@mistergoodmath.org". Great solutions will be featured on T.V. during WAVE morning announcements.

The Hint:
 

Fifth graders, what you learned last month about using a "percent box" will help you with this one.