Dawn and Mildred had the same starting sum of $120,000. Each made withdrawals of $24,000 a year. In years 2, 3, and 4, each had returns of 9 percent a year. Dawn had a 50 percent drop in year 1 and a 50 percent gain in year 5, while Mildred had a 50 percent gain in year 1 and a 50 percent drop in year 5.
a. Calculate the remaining sum for each woman at the end of year 5.
b. Explain why there is such a big difference in the remaining amounts?