In the given expression (1.05)2 *x = 44.1, find the value of x.

Concept: To find an unknown factor x in an equation of the form a × x = b, isolate x by dividing both sides by a: x = b / a. Here a is (1.05)2, so first square the decimal (multiply it by itself) before dividing.

Application:

1. Compute (1.05)2 by multiplying 1.05 × 1.05, which gives 1.1025.

2. Substitute into the given equation: 1.1025 × x = 44.1.

3. Isolate x by dividing both sides by 1.1025: x = 44.1 / 1.1025.

4. Carrying out the division gives x = 40.00.

Cross-check: Multiplying the result back, 40.00 × 1.1025 = 44.1, which matches the right-hand side of the original equation, confirming x = 40.00.