Exponentials

Compound Interest

Application 5

You would like to buy a new car that costs $20,000. Since you have not saved enough money, you will need to take out a loan. The bank is offering a loan at 5% annual interest. What equation will model this loan?

Step 1. Determine P. The initial amount borrowed is 20,000

P = 20000

Step 2. Determine r. The interest rate is 5%.

r = 0.05

Step 3. Write the equation.

A = P(1+r)t

A = 20,000(1+0.05)t

A = 20,000(1.05)t