Melanie puts $$\$ 1,100$$ in an investment account that she expects will make \(5 \%\) interest for each three-month period. However, after a year she realizes she was wrong about the interest rate and she has $$\$ 50$$ less than she expected. Assuming the interest rate the account earns is constant, which of the following equations expresses the total amount of money, \(x\), she will have after \(t\) years using the actual rate? A) \(x=1,100(1.04)^{4 t}\) B) \(x=1,100(1.05)^{4 t-50}\) C) \(x=1,100(1.04)^{t / 3}\) D) \(x=1,100(1.035)^{4 t}\)

When it comes to understanding the growth of investments over time, compound interest plays a central role. Compound interest is often introduced in SAT math practice because it exemplifies real-world financial scenarios and involves exponential functions, which are a key topic in algebra.

Compound interest refers to earning or paying interest on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods. Unlike simple interest, which only earns interest on the principal amount, compound interest allows your balance to grow at an accelerated rate since each interest calculation is based on the increasing amount.

Mathematically, compound interest is represented by the formula:
\[A = P(1 + \frac{r}{n})^{nt}\]
where:

• \(A\) is the accumulated amount after time \(t\).
• \(P\) is the principal amount.
• \(r\) is the annual interest rate in decimal form.
• \(n\) is the number of times interest is compounded per year.
• \(t\) is the time the money is invested for, in years.

Regular practice with compound interest problems can significantly improve students' understanding of exponential growth and its applications, reinforcing their algebra skills along the way.

Exponential functions are central to many SAT math problems, particularly those involving financial contexts like compound interest. An exponential function is a mathematical expression in which a constant base is raised to a variable exponent. This concept is crucial for tracking the growth of investments over time.

Most exponential growth scenarios, including compound interest, are represented by functions like:
\[f(x) = a(1 + r)^{nx}\]
where \(a\) is the initial amount, \(r\) is the rate of growth (or decay if negative), and \(nx\) denotes the number of times the growth is compounded over the period \(x\).

In the context of the SAT problem about Melanie's investment, we see that the function representing her investment's growth takes on the exponential form, with her principal amount forming the base and the number of compounding periods forming the exponent.
Recognizing the structure of an exponential function is key for students to efficiently approach these problems and solve them without confusion.

The ability to work with algebraic expressions is essential for solving various SAT math problems. An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can contain ordinary numbers, variables (like \(x\) or \(y\)), and operations between them, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

In our example, the task was to find the algebraic expression that correctly represents Melanie's financial situation. Students must understand how to manipulate algebraic expressions to isolate variables, combine like terms, and apply the correct algebraic structure to describe a real-world situation.

Building a strong foundation in algebraic manipulation allows students to approach and solve problems systematically. Whether it's simplifying expressions, factoring, or working with exponents, the ability to confidently handle algebra underpins success in SAT math and beyond. Regularly practicing algebra problems helps students develop fluidity in converting word problems into algebraic expressions, a skill that is invaluable both on standardized tests and in real-life problem-solving scenarios.