Sarah borrowed a 300-page book from the library. On the Monday, she read 18 pages. On Tuesday she read 30 pages and on Wednesday she read 42 pages. If Sarah continues reading in this pattern, will she finish reading the book before Sunday?

Answer 1

Each day she reads 12 more pages than the previous day, so:

Monday - 18 pages today, 18 total

Tuesday - 30 pages today, 48 total

Wednesday - 42 pages today, 90 total

Thursday - 54 pages today, 144 total

Friday - 66 pages today, 210 total

Saturday - 78 pages today, 288 total

Total by the end of Saturday: 288 pages. She has not finished by Sunday morning.

Answer 2

No, as Sarah read a total of 90 pages by Wednesday, she would need to read (300-90) 210 more pages to finish the book. Since she is reading 42 pages a day, it will take her (210/42) 5 more days to finish the book, meaning she will finish reading the book on Thursday.