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| Question 38399:  If a bank compounds continuous, then the formula becomes simpler, that is A=Pe^rt where e is a constant and equals approximately 2.7183.  Calculate A with continuous compounding.  Use 20,000 at for 3 years at a rate of 8 percent.
 This is what I have so far:
 A= 20,000e^.08*2
 A= 20,000e^.16
 = ?
 I am lost as to finding the answer, I don't understand what to do with e.  Could you please help me?  Thanks, Christine
 Found 2 solutions by  fractalier, Nate:
 Answer by fractalier(6550)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Okay from A=Pe^rt
 we plug in what we know (using three years)
 A = 20000(e^(.08*3))
 A = 20000e^.24
 Now use your calculator to evaluate e^.24 as 1.271, then multiply it by 20000 to get the final answer
 A = $25424.98
Answer by Nate(3500)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! If a bank compounds continuous, then the formula becomes simpler, that is A=Pe^rt where e is a constant and equals approximately 2.7183.  Calculate A with continuous compounding.  Use 20,000 at for 3 years at a rate of 8 percent. Actually, your form should look like this:
 
  
  On your calculator, you would have a little 'e' to the 'x'. For graphing calculators they can have just the little 'e'. It should be located as 2nd then LN button. Next, hit the carrot sign (^). This means to a power. So, 'e' then ^ then .24 .... last, multiply by 20,000.
 'A' should be about $25,424.98
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