Answer
$2026$
Work Step by Step
The best way to solve this problem is to set the master's degree model function equal to that of the associates model and solve for the required time, $t$. Alternative, we can plot both function using a calculator and find the point of intersection between them. The procedure is less curate than the analytical approach. Let do both now. $$\begin{aligned}
M(t) &= A(t)\\\\
12.50t +543.07& = 8.61t+641.25 \\
12.50t-8.61t & = 641.25-543.07\\
3.89t& = 98.18\\
t& = \frac{98.18}{3.89} \\
&= 25.24\\
\end{aligned}$$ Since the computed time is slightly greater than $25$, it means that the number of master's degree holders will be just about the same at the number of associates degree holders in about $2026$.
