Big Ideas Math Algebra 1, 2015
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Big Ideas Math Algebra 1, 2015 View details
4. Exponential Growth and Decay
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Exercise 59 Page 321

The formula that gives the balance y of an account earning compound interest is y=P( 1+ rn )^(nt), where P is the principal, r is the annual interest rate, t is the time in years, and n is the number of times the interest is compounded in one year.

y=6200(1.007)^(12t)

Practice makes perfect
Compound interest is the interest earned on the principal and on previously earned interest. Let's recall the formula that gives the balance y of an account earning compound interest. y= P( 1+r/n )^(nt)

In this formula P is the principal or initial amount, r is the annual interest rate written in decimal form, t is the time in years, and n is the number of times the interest is compounded in one year. Let's pay close attention to the given exercise.

$ 6200 deposit that earns 8.4 % annual interest compounded monthly.

We can immediately identify P as 6200. Also, the annual interest rate written as a decimal number is 0.084. Finally, since the interest is compounded monthly and there are 12 months in one year, we have that n= 12. Let's substitute these values into the formula and simplify.
y=P( 1+r/n )^(nt)
y= 6200( 1+0.084/12 )^(12t)
y=6200(1+0.007)^(12t)
y=6200(1.007)^(12t)