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exponential function story problem. In 1985 there were 285 cell phone subscribers in Mayville. The number of subscribers increased by 75% per year after 1985. Find the number of subscribers in 2008.

User Wim Feijen
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1 Answer

18 votes
18 votes

The formula for determining exponential functions is expressed as

y = a(1 + r)^n

where

a is the initail value

y is the value after time n

r is the growth rate

From the information given,

a = 285

r = 75/100 = 0.75

n = number of years between 1985 and 2008 = 2008 - 1985 = 23

Thus, we have

y = 285(1 + 0.75)^23

y = 285(1.75)^23

y = 110845988.27

The number of subscribers would be 110845988

User Hayal
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