The function [tex]$C(t)=C_0(1+r)^t$[/tex] models the rise in the cost of a product that has a cost of [tex][tex]$C_0$[/tex][/tex] today, subject to an average yearly inflation rate of [tex]$r$[/tex] for [tex]$t$[/tex] years. If the average annual rate of inflation over the next 13 years is assumed to be [tex][tex]$3.5\%$[/tex][/tex], what will the inflation-adjusted cost of a [tex]$\$27,000$[/tex] motorcycle be in 13 years? Round to two decimal places.



Answer :

To solve for the future cost of the motorcycle given the initial cost, the annual inflation rate, and the number of years, we will use the compound interest formula [tex]\( C(t) = C_0(1 + r)^t \)[/tex].

Let's break down the steps:

1. Identify the given values:
- The initial cost [tex]\( C_0 \)[/tex] is \[tex]$27,000. - The annual inflation rate \( r \) is 3.5%. Converting this to a decimal, \( r = \frac{3.5}{100} = 0.035 \). - The number of years \( t \) is 13. 2. Substitute the values into the formula: \[ C(t) = 27000 \times (1 + 0.035)^{13} \] 3. Calculate the base inside the exponent: \[ 1 + 0.035 = 1.035 \] 4. Raise the base to the power of 13: \[ 1.035^{13} \] 5. Multiply the result by 27,000: \[ C(t) = 27000 \times 1.035^{13} \] 6. Calculate the final value and round it to two decimal places: After performing these calculations, the result is: \[ C(t) \approx 42226.81 \] Therefore, the inflation-adjusted cost of the motorcycle in 13 years is approximately \$[/tex]42,226.81 when rounded to two decimal places.