Each state has a crime victim compensation program. These programs oversee funds to help crime victims or their families recover from crime-related financial losses. Each state has its own rules. For example, Michigan’s crime victim compensation program will pay for funeral expenses, medical bills, and lost wages. However, the maximum award is $25,000. The average sum awarded is $6,964.

Option 1:

The federal government set up a special victim compensation fund for September 11th victims and their families. This fund awarded an average of $1.8 million to each victim or family. In the state of Michigan, the maximum award a crime victim or their family can receive is $25,000. How many $25,000 awards would it take to total $1.8 million?

A. 7

B. 72

C. 720

D. 1,700

Option 2:

The average sum awarded by the federal September 11th victim compensation fund was $1.8 million. The highest sum awarded was $7.9 million. In 2014, the median household income in the U.S. was $53,891. If $50,000 can support an average household for a year, how many years of support would $1.8 million provide? How many years of support would $7.9 million provide? (Hint: To solve quickly, use exponents!)