Question

A trading card increases in value by 2% each year. In 2005, it was worth $8. About how much is it worth in 2011?

Answer 1

So for this, we will be using the exponential equation formula, which is y=ab^x, with a = initial value and b = growth/decay. Since the value is increasing, you would add 1 and 0.02(2% in decimal form) together to get 1.02, which will be the b variable. And since we are starting in 2005 with $8 and trying to figure out the value in 2011, 8 will be the a variable and 6 will be the x variable (2011-2005=6)

With this info, our equation will be: y = 8(1.02)^6

Firstly, solve 1.02^6: y = 8(1.12616242)

Next, multiply and your answer will be (rounded to the hundreths): y = $9.01