The rate of inflation can be modeled by the following equation:
[tex]y\text{ = 115}\times(A)^x^{}[/tex]We have to find A to solve letter a). The exercise gives the information that in 5 years (2004-2009) the price went to $140 (this is the 'y' value of the formula). Therefore:
[tex]140\text{ = 115}\times A^5[/tex][tex]A\text{ = }\sqrt[5]{\frac{140}{115}}=1.0401[/tex]So the exponential model is going to be:
[tex]y\text{ = 115}\times(1.0401)^x[/tex]To solve letter b, we have now 11 years (2004-2015) and the objective is to find the 'y' value:
[tex]y\text{ = 115}\times(1.0401)^{11}=177.22\text{ dollars}[/tex]So the answers will be:
[tex]a)\text{ y = 115}\times(1.0401)^x[/tex][tex]b)\text{ \$177}.22[/tex]