In one community college, the cost per credit hour for in-state students has been increasing by $3 a year. In another community college, it has been increasing by 9% per year. This year, the cost is $65 at both colleges. To the nearest dollar, what was the positive difference in costs 2 years ago?

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Calculate Cost 2 Years Ago: Calculate the cost per credit hour 2 years ago for the first community college. The cost has been increasing by $3 a year, so 2 years ago, the cost would have been $3 less per year for 2 years. Cost 2 years ago = Current cost - (2 years * $3/year increase) = $65 - (2 * $3) = $65 - $6 = $59Calculate Cost Increase: Calculate the cost per credit hour 2 years ago for the second community college. The cost has been increasing by 9% per year. Let's denote the cost 2 years ago as C. We know that the cost this year is $65, which is after two 9% increases. So, we can set up the equation: C * (1 + 9%)^2 = $65 C * (1.09)^2 = $65 C = $65 / (1.09)^2 C ≈ $65 / 1.1881 C ≈ $54.73, which we round to the nearest dollar to get $55.Calculate Cost Difference: Calculate the positive difference in costs per credit hour between the two colleges 2 years ago. Difference = Cost at first college 2 years ago - Cost at second college 2 years ago = $59 - $55 = $4

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