Question

The function f(x) = 800(1.09)4x shows the growth due to interest that Jim earns on an investment.

The steps to calculate an equivalent function are shown below:


[Step 1] f(x) = 800(1.09)4x
[Step 2] f(x) = 800(1.094)x
[Step 3] f(x) = 800(1.4116)x
[Step 4] f(x) = (1129.27)x


Which of the following is the first incorrect step?

Answer 1

this is hard to read unless you put in ^ to show exponents.

Answer 2

for example, I assume you mean
[Step 1] f(x) = 800(1.09)^(4x)
or using the equation editor
\[ f(x) = 800(1.09)^{4x} \]?

Answer 3

There is a rule for exponents :
\[ \left(a^b\right)^c = a^{b\cdot c} \]
that work either way. In other words, if you have the exponent 4*x
then you can use the rule "backwards"