4) When the minimum wage was first enacted in the United States in 1938, it was a whopping $0.25 per hour. Since then, we have averaged 3.65% annual inflation. What is the value of the $0.25 in today's dollars?

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
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Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
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**Question:**

When the minimum wage was first enacted in the United States in 1938, it was a whopping $0.25 per hour. Since then, we have averaged 3.65% annual inflation. What is the value of the $0.25 in today’s dollars?

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This question explores the historical and economic concept of inflation and its effects on the purchasing power of money over time. It invites readers to calculate the modern equivalent of historical wages, considering the average inflation rate per year. 

To tackle this problem, you can use the formula for calculating the future value of money, adjusted for inflation:

\[ \text{Future Value} = \text{Present Value} \times (1 + \text{inflation rate})^{\text{number of years}} \]

Understanding how inflation affects money over time can offer valuable insights into the economic environment and highlight the importance of wage adjustments in maintaining living standards.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** When the minimum wage was first enacted in the United States in 1938, it was a whopping $0.25 per hour. Since then, we have averaged 3.65% annual inflation. What is the value of the $0.25 in today’s dollars? --- This question explores the historical and economic concept of inflation and its effects on the purchasing power of money over time. It invites readers to calculate the modern equivalent of historical wages, considering the average inflation rate per year. To tackle this problem, you can use the formula for calculating the future value of money, adjusted for inflation: \[ \text{Future Value} = \text{Present Value} \times (1 + \text{inflation rate})^{\text{number of years}} \] Understanding how inflation affects money over time can offer valuable insights into the economic environment and highlight the importance of wage adjustments in maintaining living standards.
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