USA: +1(669)289-8683 
Sign in
Week 4 – Discussion 1
Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday). Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post.
Initial Investment
Read the following instructions in order to complete this discussion, and review the example of how to complete the math required for this assignment:
Think of something you want or need for which you currently do not have the funds. It could be a vehicle, boat, horse, jewelry, property, vacation, college fund, retirement money, or something else. Pick something which cost somewhere between $2000 and $50,000.
On page 270 of Elementary and Intermediate Algebra you will find the “Present Value Formula,” which computes how much money you need to start with now to achieve a desired monetary goal. Assume you will find an investment which promises somewhere between 5% and 10% interest on your money and you want to purchase your desired item in 12 years. (Remember that the higher the return, usually the riskier the investment, so think carefully before deciding on the interest rate.)
State the following in your discussion:
The desired item
How much it will cost in 12 years
The interest rate you have chosen to go with from part 2
Set up the formula and work the computational steps one by one, explaining how each step is worked, especially what the negative exponent means. Explain what the answer means.
Does this formula look familiar to any other formulas you are aware of? If so, which formula(s) and how is it similar?
Incorporate the following five math vocabulary words into your discussion. Use bold font to emphasize the words in your writing (Do not write definitions for the words; use them appropriately in sentences describing your math work.):
Power
Reciprocal
Negative exponent
Position
Rules of exponents
Your initial post should be 150-250 words in length.
Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your discussion.
Week 4 – Assignment (Due Monday Aug. 19)
Financial Polynomials
Read the following instructions in order to complete this assignment and review the example of how to complete the math required for this assignment:
Solve problem 90 on page 304 of Elementary and Intermediate Algebra. Be sure that you show all steps of the squaring of the binomial and multiplication along with any simplification which might be required.
Evaluate the polynomial resulting from step 1 using:
P = $200 and r = 10%, and also with
P = $5670 and r = 3.5%
Complete problem 70 on page 311 of Elementary and Intermediate Algebra. Show all steps of the division.
Write a two- to three-page paper that is formatted in APA style and according to the Math Writing Guide. Format your math work as shown in the Instructor Guidance and be concise in your reasoning. In the body of your essay, please make sure to:
Demonstrate your solution to the above problems, making sure to include all mathematical work and a discussion of how and why this is applicable to your everyday life.
Use the underline feature with single spacing to set up the division(s), and use the “strikethrough” font to show the canceling factors. Can you think of another way this division could be approached and worked out? If yes, briefly describe the method.
Incorporate the following five math vocabulary words into your discussion. Use bold font to emphasize the words in your writing (Do not write definitions for the words; use them appropriately in sentences describing your math work.):
FOIL
Like terms
Descending order
Dividend
Divisor
For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.
Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
