Linear and Exponential Modeling/ Trig Help?

Question

A teacher’s salary is modeled by the equation an=48,000(1.0325)t−1 where t represents years of experience. How much should this teacher expect to pay in their 5th year of teaching?
A. $52,833.75
B. $58,154.27
C. $56,323.75
D. $54,550.84

Answer 1

The model should be properly written as:  Amount = 48000(1.0325)^t-1

 

Given that t = 5 years, you have 54,550.84 = 48000(1.0325)⁴

 

 

Answer 2

Let the equation be f(t) = 48000(1.0325)^t-1

 

Then f(5) = 48000(1.0325)⁴ ≈ $54550.84