Lost in Exponential Equations? Need Help Solving for n?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Juliayaho
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an exponential equation for the variable n, specifically in the context of a loan payoff calculation. Participants are exploring the manipulation of the equation and the application of logarithms to isolate n.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation p = x*(1-(1+r)^n)/r and seeks help in solving for n.
  • Another participant suggests rearranging the equation to (1+r)^n = 1 - (pr/x) and proposes using logarithms to solve for n.
  • A third participant reiterates the initial steps and encourages isolating the term with n, but does not provide a definitive next step.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the logarithmic part of the solution and emphasizes the practical application of the equation for a loan calculator project.
  • A later reply offers a method involving natural logarithms, stating that n can be expressed as n = ln(1 - (pr/x)) / ln(1 + r), while acknowledging their enthusiasm in contributing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps to manipulate the equation but do not reach a consensus on the final approach to solving for n, as multiple methods and interpretations are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the logarithmic transformation and the specific steps needed to isolate n, indicating that there may be missing assumptions or unresolved mathematical steps.

Juliayaho
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help me out... I am trying to solve for n
p=x*(1-(1+r)^n)/r

so far I know p*r=x*(1-(1+r)^-n)
then (p*r)/x=(1-(1+r)^n)

but then i get lost... help!

thanks!
 
Last edited:
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You have gotten as far as:

$$\frac{pr}{x}=1-(1+r)^n$$

I would arrange this as:

$$(1+r)^n=1-\frac{pr}{x}$$

Can you convert this from exponential to logarithmic form or take the natural or base 10 logarithm of both sides?
 
Juliayaho said:
help me out... I am trying to solve for n
p=x*(1-(1+r)^n)/r

so far I know p*r=x*(1-(1+r)^n)
then (p*r)/x=(1-(1+r)^n)

but then i get lost... help!

thanks!
You've got a good start.

p = \frac{x \left ( 1 - (1 + r)^n \right )}{r}

pr = x \left ( 1 - (1 + r)^n \right )

\frac{pr}{x} = 1 - (1 + r)^n

Now isolate the term with the n in it.
\frac{pr}{x} - 1 = - (1 + r)^n

1 -\frac{pr}{x} = (1 + r)^n

What comes next?

-Dan

Edit: Agh. MarkFL beat me to it. But my work is prettier...(flower)
 
Yeah that's exactly what I don't remember the "(1 + r)^-n" part :/
I need to solve for n because it represents the number of month it would take me to payoff a loan... Is for a project that I'm doing... It's a one mor detail I would add to my loan calculator.. So I need to use the formula as n=
But I don't remember that logarithm partThank you all by the way!
topsquark said:
You've got a good start.

p = \frac{x \left ( 1 - (1 + r)^n \right )}{r}

pr = x \left ( 1 - (1 + r)^n \right )

\frac{pr}{x} = 1 - (1 + r)^n

Now isolate the term with the n in it.
\frac{pr}{x} - 1 = - (1 + r)^n

1 -\frac{pr}{x} = (1 + r)^n

What comes next?

-Dan

Edit: Agh. MarkFL beat me to it. But my work is prettier...(flower)
 
topsquark said:
Edit: Agh. MarkFL beat me to it. But my work is prettier...(flower)
Seems like it's a contest about who is first :P This time I win :)

try read this, if you solve it or still struggle we will help you:)!

Regards
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
$\text{My humble offering: }$
[FONT=MathJax_Main]$1-\frac{pr}{x}=(1+r)^{n}$
$\text{Having reached this point, and following the general principle that, to solve}$
$\text{exponential equations, one usually}$
$\text{needs to take logs of both sides, the next move is: }$

$$n\cdot ln(1+r)=ln(1-\frac{pr}{x})$$

$$\text{To those patiently helping this member, please forgive me if I}$$
$$\text{seem to be coming in over}$$
$$\text{the top: this is the first time I've felt vaguely}$$
$$\text{confident in being able to help someone since I}$$
$$\text{joined. My enthusiasm has overmastered my reticence.}$$
 
Last edited:

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