If a person who was born in the 1700’s turned n years old in the year n^3. In what year did that person turn 50?

To solve this, you’ll want to figure out how many perfect squares there are in the 1700s. The best way I can think of to do this efficiently is to use the TABLE function on a graphing calculator. Enter y = x^3 and go to the table. Scroll down until you get into the 1700s. 🙂

    

OK, so the person turned 12 years old in the year 1728. That means she’ll turn 50 in another 38 years, in 1766.