Math Problem Statement

Question

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Lucy invested $19,000 in an account paying an interest rate of 3% compounded annually. Assuming no deposits or withdrawals are made, how much money, to the nearest hundred dollars, would be in the account after 8 years?

Answer

Attempt 1 out of 2

Solution

To solve this problem, we can use the formula for compound interest:

A=P(1+rn)ntA = P \left(1 + \frac{r}{n}\right)^{nt}

Where:

  • AA is the amount of money accumulated after tt years, including interest.
  • PP is the principal amount (the initial money invested).
  • rr is the annual interest rate (decimal).
  • nn is the number of times that interest is compounded per year.
  • tt is the number of years the money is invested or borrowed for.

Given:

  • P=19,000P = 19,000 dollars
  • r=3%=0.03r = 3\% = 0.03
  • n=1n = 1 (since the interest is compounded annually)
  • t=8t = 8 years

The formula simplifies to:

A=19,000(1+0.031)1×8A = 19,000 \left(1 + \frac{0.03}{1}\right)^{1 \times 8}

A=19,000(1+0.03)8A = 19,000 \left(1 + 0.03\right)^{8}

A=19,000×(1.03)8A = 19,000 \times (1.03)^8

Now, we calculate:

A=19,000×1.2667724,068.63A = 19,000 \times 1.26677 \approx 24,068.63

Rounding this to the nearest hundred dollars:

A24,100A \approx 24,100

Final Answer: After 8 years, Lucy would have approximately $24,100 in the account.

Would you like more details on any part of this solution? Here are some additional questions you could explore:

  1. What if the interest were compounded quarterly instead of annually?
  2. How would the outcome change if the interest rate were 4% instead of 3%?
  3. What would be the balance after 5 years instead of 8 years?
  4. How much interest would be earned in total after 8 years?
  5. What is the formula for continuous compounding, and how would it apply here?

Tip: When rounding, remember to consider whether you're rounding up or down based on the decimal value.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Compound Interest

Formulas

Compound interest formula A = P (1 + r/n)^(nt)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12