Calculating Exponents for Business Model

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter DesperatelyLost
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Business Exponents
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating a series of exponentiated values for a business model involving the expression 280*.985^n, where n varies from 1 to 11. Participants explore methods for simplifying these calculations, particularly in the context of using spreadsheets.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in calculating multiple exponentiated values and seeks assistance on whether these can be simplified into a single formula.
  • Another participant suggests using a capable calculator or spreadsheet for the calculations.
  • A participant mentions that while they are using a spreadsheet, the process is cumbersome and they are not an expert in spreadsheet functions.
  • One participant provides a detailed method for setting up the spreadsheet to calculate the values, indicating a different approach to the problem.
  • Another participant clarifies that the general formula can be expressed as 280*.985^n and notes that subsequent values can be derived by multiplying the previous value by 0.985.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to simplify the calculations, and multiple approaches are presented without resolution of which is preferable.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the specific assistance needed, and there is a lack of clarity on the most efficient method for calculating the exponentiated values in a spreadsheet.

DesperatelyLost
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi, Everyone.

I suspect I am a bit unique here. I'm struggling with a math problem for a business model rather than a homework assignment. It's been quite a while since I have worked with exponents and I am hoping someone can assist me with a question.

I have the following calculations:
280*.985^11
280*.985^10
280*.985^9
280*.985^8
280*.985^7
280*.985^6
280*.985^5
280*.985^4
280*.985^3
280*.985^2
280*.985^1

The base and coefficient are the same, but the exponent is not. I know that I can't add the exponents because they are not like terms. Is there a way to simplify this into one formula or do I need to calculate each one independently?

Thank you in advance for your assistance!
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
use a capable calculator or a spreadsheet ...
 

Attachments

  • expfunction.png
    expfunction.png
    432 bytes · Views: 137
  • exp_table1.png
    exp_table1.png
    620 bytes · Views: 123
  • exp_table2.png
    exp_table2.png
    551 bytes · Views: 128
I'm already using a spreadsheet, but it's cumbersome to write out that large of a formula.
 
DesperatelyLost said:
I'm already using a spreadsheet, but it's cumbersome to write out that large of a formula.

I'm not a spreadsheet expert, so you'll probably need to research how to evaluate a function with multiple inputs on one ... or wait until someone with the necessary expertise posts a reply.
 
"280*.985^11
280*.985^10
280*.985^9
280*.985^8
280*.985^7
280*.985^6"

Cell A1: Enter 280
Cell A2: Enter 0.985
Cell A3: Enter 0
Cell A4: Enter =A3+1
Cells A5-A100: Copy the contents of A4 and paste
Cell B3: =A[dollar sign]1*A[dollar sign]2^A3
Cells B4-B100: Copy the contents of B3 and paste

It's upside down from your design, but small changes will solve that problem.
 
I'm not sure what you are looking for.
The general formula is 280*.985^n.
Each next value can be found by multiplying the previous value by .985,
Or alternatively each value can be found by the general formula.
Can you clarify what you are looking for?
 

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K