1. Think of something you want or need for which you currently do not have the funds. It could be a vehicle, boat, horse, jewelry, property, vacation, college fund, retirement money, or something else. Pick something which cost somewhere between $2000 and $50,000. I would love to take a Disney Cruise with my family. We are a family of four!
2. On page 270 of Elementary and Intermediate Algebra you will find the "Present Value Formula," which computes how much money you need to start with now to achieve a desired monetary goal. Assume you will find an investment which promises somewhere between 5% and 10% interest on your money and you want to purchase your desired item in 12 years. (Remember that the higher the return, usually the riskier the investment, so think carefully before deciding on the interest rate.)
The Present Value Formula In Section 4.1, we studied the amount formula A = P(1 + r)n. If we are interested in the principal P that must be invested today to grow to a specified amount A in the future, then the principal is called the present value of the investment. We can find a formula for present value by solving the amount formula for P:
Present Value Formula
The present value P that will amount to A dollars after n years with interest compounded annually at annual interest rate r is given by the formula
3. State the following in your discussion:
o The desired item
o How much it will cost in 12 years
o The interest rate you have chosen to go with from part 2
4. Set up the formula and work the computational steps one by one, explaining how each step is worked, especially what the negative exponent means. Explain what the answer means.
5. Does this formula look familiar to any other formulas you are aware of? If so, which formula(s) and how is it similar?
6. Incorporate the following five math vocabulary words into your discussion. Use bold font to emphasize the words in your writing (Do not write definitions for the words; use them appropriately in sentences describing your math work.):
o Power
o Reciprocal
o Negative exponent
o Position
o Rules of exponents