Mrs.McNamara just turned 44 and is beginning to plan for her retirement. She would like to make annual contributions to a retirement fund beginning with X on her 45th birthday and increasing by $500 each year until her last contribution on her 64th birthday.

These contributions should fund annual retirement checks beginning with $50,000 on her 65th birthday and increasing by 5% each year until her last retirement check issued on her 84th birthday. The fund will earn interest at the nominal rate of 10% convertible semiannually.

Determine which of the following is closest to the minimum X needed to ensure that Mrs. McNamara's retirement goals are met.

Ans: At least $6700, but less than $7100.