Calculate the profit increase from year to year.
Calculate the average profit increase over the 4 years.
Estimate the profit for Year 6 by adding the average profit increase to the profit of Year 5.
The estimated profit for Year 6 is $65883.16 .
Explanation
Calculate Profit Increases First, we need to calculate the profit increase from year to year.
Year 1 to Year 2 The profit increase from Year 1 to Year 2 is: 47417.45 − 43502.25 = 3915.20
Year 2 to Year 3 The profit increase from Year 2 to Year 3 is: 51685.02 − 47417.45 = 4267.57
Year 3 to Year 4 The profit increase from Year 3 to Year 4 is: 56336.68 − 51685.02 = 4651.66
Year 4 to Year 5 The profit increase from Year 4 to Year 5 is: 61406.98 − 56336.68 = 5070.30
Calculate Average Profit Increase Next, we calculate the average profit increase over the 4 years: 4 3915.20 + 4267.57 + 4651.66 + 5070.30 = 4 17904.73 = 4476.1825
Estimate Year 6 Profit Finally, we estimate the profit for Year 6 by adding the average profit increase to the profit of Year 5: 61406.98 + 4476.1825 = 65883.1625
Final Answer Therefore, the best estimate for Sam to quote as expected profits in the next year is approximately $65,883.16.
Examples
Estimating future profits is crucial in many business scenarios. For example, when applying for a business loan, a company needs to provide a business plan that includes projected revenues and profits. Banks and investors use these projections to assess the risk and potential return of investment. Accurately estimating future profits, like in Sam's case, can significantly impact the likelihood of securing funding for expansion or other business ventures. This involves analyzing past performance, market trends, and planned changes to the business model to create a realistic financial forecast. For instance, if Sam wants to get a loan, he needs to estimate his future profit, and the bank will use this estimate to decide whether to give him the loan.