WHAT A CARD!

The value, $V$, of a Honus Wagner baseball card in mint condition appreciates at $12\%$ per year. It was sold at auction in 1991 for $$461{,}000$. If $t =$ time in years since 1991, then $V = 461000(1.12)^t$ .

1. What was its value in 2000?

   Steps (a):

   We are given a value function, $V(t)$. Notice that $t =$ years since 1991. Evaluate for the year 2000.

2. Find the average value of the card over the period 1991 - 2000.

   Hint (b):

   Value $= V(t) = 461{,}100(1.12)^t$ 
   Examine the equation above:
   What is the annual interest rate?
   What is the initial value of the card?

3. When was the card worth the value you found in part (b)?

   Hint (c):

   Unlike average value (AROC), actual value (IROC) must be found with a derivative.

   Steps (c):

   Let $V^\prime(t) =$ your answer in part (b).

   Answer (c):

   The card was worth its average value in 1995 or 1996.