To create a polynomial model \( C(x) \) that represents the final amount of Bertha's investment account, we need to consider how much each deposit will grow over the 3-year term, depending on the timing of the deposits.
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Investments and their growth:
- For the first deposit of $1,200 made at the beginning of the first year, it will earn interest for 3 years: \[ 1200 \cdot x^3 \]
- For the second deposit of $880 made at the beginning of the second year, it will earn interest for 2 years: \[ 880 \cdot x^2 \]
- For the third deposit of $830 made at the beginning of the third year, it will earn interest for 1 year: \[ 830 \cdot x^1 \]
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Combining the investments: The model polynomial \( C(x) \) can be expressed as: \[ C(x) = 1200x^3 + 880x^2 + 830x \]
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Substituting the interest rate: If the interest rate \( r \) is 5.6%, then \( x = 1 + r = 1 + 0.056 = 1.056 \).
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Calculating the final amount: We will substitute \( x = 1.056 \) into the polynomial \( C(x) \): \[ C(1.056) = 1200(1.056)^3 + 880(1.056)^2 + 830(1.056) \]
First calculate \( (1.056)^3 \): \[ (1.056)^3 \approx 1.191016 \]
Then calculate \( (1.056)^2 \): \[ (1.056)^2 \approx 1.118336 \]
Now plug these values back into \( C(x) \): \[ C(1.056) = 1200(1.191016) + 880(1.118336) + 830(1.056) \] \[ C(1.056) \approx 1200 \cdot 1.191016 + 880 \cdot 1.118336 + 830 \cdot 1.056 \] \[ \approx 1429.2192 + 983.3288 + 875.88 \] \[ \approx 3288.428 \]
Rounding to two decimal places: \[ \approx 3288.43 \]
Final Results:
- The model polynomial \( C(x) \) is: \[ C(x) = 1200x^3 + 880x^2 + 830x \]
- The final amount of Bertha's investment account if the interest rate is 5.6 percent is: \[ $3288.43 \]
Thus the complete answers are:
- \( C(x) = 1200x^3 + 880x^2 + 830x \)
- The final amount of Bertha's investment account if the interest rate is 5.6 percent is $3288.43.