Howie Long has just learned he has won a $500,000 prize in the lottery. The lottery has given him two options for receiving the payments. (1) If Howie takes all the money today, the state and federal governments will deduct taxes at a rate of 46% immediately. (2) Alternatively, the lottery offers Howie a payout of 20 equal payments of $36,000 with the first payment occurring when Howie turns in the winning ticket. Howie will be taxed on each of these payments at a rate of 25%

This decision will depend on whether or not Howie needs immediate money and the rate of inflation. Assuming there is no inflation, as the issue did not mention it, and Howie prefers the decision that yields the greatest financial reward, simply calculate and lower the tax in each situation, and then compare them.

Scenario 1: Total receipt upon ticket delivery with 46% deduction

46% = 46 / 100 = 0.46

To find the value to be deducted, let's multiply the total by 0.46

500,000 * 0.46 = $ 230,000

That way Howie would get $ 500,000 - $ 230000 = $ 270,000

Scenario 2: 25 installments of $ 36,000 with 25% deduction

The gross total will be 25x $ 36,000 = $ 900,000

Now it is enough to decrease 25% of the total amount, to find the amount of the tax.

25% = 25 / 100 = 0.25

$ 900,000 * 0.25 = $ 225,000

Finally, simply decrease the amount received by the tax amount:

$ 900,000 - $ 225,000 = $ 675,000

Therefore, Howie would be better off if he opted for the installment payment.