Every year a man is paid $500 more than the previous year. If he receives $1700 over four years, what was he paid in the first year?

Answer 1

x+ x+500 + x+1000 + x+1500 = 1700

4x = 1700-3000 = -1300

x =-1300/4 =-325

1st year his income was negative $325

2nd year $175

3rd year $675

4th year $1,175

1175+675+175- 325 = 1700