High School

If [tex]f(3) = 191.5[/tex] when [tex]r = 0.03[/tex] for the function [tex]f(t) = P e^t[/tex], then what is the approximate value of [tex]P[/tex]?

A. 471
B. 175
C. 210
D. 78

Answer :

To find the approximate value of [tex]\( P \)[/tex], we need to use the given information and the formula for the function [tex]\( f(t) = P e^{rt} \)[/tex]. We are told that [tex]\( f(3) = 191.5 \)[/tex] when [tex]\( r = 0.03 \)[/tex].

1. Start with the equation:
[tex]\[ f(t) = P e^{rt} \][/tex]
Here, [tex]\( t = 3 \)[/tex], so the function becomes:
[tex]\[ f(3) = P e^{0.03 \times 3} \][/tex]

2. Substitute the given value of [tex]\( f(3) \)[/tex], which is 191.5:
[tex]\[ 191.5 = P e^{0.09} \][/tex]

3. To solve for [tex]\( P \)[/tex], we need to isolate it:
[tex]\[ P = \frac{191.5}{e^{0.09}} \][/tex]

4. Calculate [tex]\( e^{0.09} \)[/tex]. Knowing that [tex]\( e^{0.09} \)[/tex] slightly above 1 gives a better sense of the division outcome, but for now, let's acknowledge the calculation has been performed:

5. Use this result to find [tex]\( P \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ P \approx \frac{191.5}{e^{0.09}} \approx 175 \][/tex]

So, the approximate value of [tex]\( P \)[/tex] is 175, which corresponds to option B.