The function f(x) = 396(3)x represents the growth of a dragonfly population every year in a remote swamp. Pierre wants to manipulate the formula to an equivalent form that calculates every month, not every year. Which function is correct for Pierre's purposes?

I don't get it, please help?

Question

The function f(x) = 396(3)x represents the growth of a dragonfly population every year in a remote swamp. Pierre wants to manipulate the formula to an equivalent form that calculates every month, not every year. Which function is correct for Pierre's purposes?


I don't get it, please help?

boldjon · Answer

ok gimme a sec

mathmale · Answer

This problem just might make more sense if you'd express the exponentiation properly.

Correct:    f(x) = 396(3)^x             Use " ^ " to indicate exponentiation.

Incorrect:     f(x) = 396(3)x

anonymous · Answer

Sorry ;(

mathmale · Answer

I'll demonstrate a parallel (comparable) situation:

$$A=P(1+r)^t$$

anonymous · Answer

Since its by month would I divide the whole equation by 12?

mathmale · Answer

is the formula used to calculate the Amount of $ that you will have after t years.

If you're interested in monthly compounding, then the appropriate formula is$$A=P(1+\frac{ r }{ n })^{nt}$$

mathmale · Answer

where n is the number of times per year that interest is paid (compounded).

So yes, you're on the right track.

anonymous · Answer

would we use the second formula then?

mathmale · Answer

As explained, the 2nd formula was meant to be an example.  It's a modification of the first formula for Amount.

Can you modify    f(x) = 396(3)^x    to reflect monthly (rather than annual) increases?

anonymous · Answer

i figured it out

anonymous · Answer

want to help me with some others?