FV= PMT (1+i)n-1 **n is an exponent
________
i
FV= 396 (1+0.005)72-1
_________
0.005
FV=396 (1.005)72-1
_________
0.005
FV= 34218 (rounded to nearest dollar)

GOING BACK TO RULES OF OPERATION (PEMDAS)
how was this computed, i'm still getting it wrong

Question

FV= PMT (1+i)n-1            **n is an exponent
                ________
                      i
FV= 396 (1+0.005)72-1
                _________
                   0.005
FV=396 (1.005)72-1
                  _________
                   0.005
FV= 34218 (rounded to nearest dollar)

GOING BACK TO RULES OF OPERATION (PEMDAS)
how was this computed, i'm still getting it wrong

anonymous · Answer

How did you get 34218?

tkhunny · Answer

1.005^72 = 1.4320442784916543292912103006685
That less one is 0.4320442784916543292912103006685
That divided by 0.005 is 86.408855698330865858242060133696
That multiplied by 396 is 34217.906856539022879863855812944

Maybe it's not your arithmetic. What's the original problem statement?

anonymous · Answer

so FV = 396(((1+.005)^72-1))/.005)

Is this what you are doing?

anonymous · Answer

that was the answer the computer gave after my incorrect answer. 

a couple deposits $396 per month into an account paying 6% compounded monthly. Payments are made at the end of each period, how much will be in the account in 6 years?

so I know n= 12*6 =72
$$\frac{ 6% }{ 12*100%? }$$ (6% and 100%) it forgot the % sign + 0.005

so  FV= $396 (1+0.005)72-1
                      ________________                 WITH 72 being an exponent
                      0.005

anonymous · Answer

OK so first:

(1+.005) first thing you do it equals 1.005
Then you do 1.005^72-1 = .4320442785
Then you do .4320442785/.005 = 86.4088557
Then you do 86.4088557 * 396 = 34217.90686

Which is FV = $34,218

anonymous · Answer

oh wow.. thank you for breaking that down.. i've been stumped for like 10 minutes

anonymous · Answer

No worries, wait till Calculus. lol.  Good Luck.