# Using a model to predict salary

• April 13th 2009, 02:02 PM
Joanie
Using a model to predict salary
I have the following problem:

The nationwide average salary of a computer programmer can be modeled by the equation y=31.8x(1.06)^n, where y is the salary in thousands of dollars and n is the number of years since 1990.

Using the model, predict the average programmer's salary in 2010.

y = 31.8x(1.06)^20 Rounded, I got the answer \$102,000. Is this correct?(Rofl)
• April 13th 2009, 02:11 PM
Reckoner
Quote:

Originally Posted by Joanie
Using the model, predict the average programmer's salary in 2010.

y = 31.8x(1.06)^20 Rounded, I got the answer \$102,000. Is this correct?(Rofl)

Yes (assuming your 'x' means multiplication). It really is just a simple substitution problem.
• April 13th 2009, 02:15 PM
Joanie
If $x$ is a second independent variable, then the problem should specify what it represents. In the context of this problem, I would certainly think that it indicates multiplication.