Math Problem Statement

Suppose that you owe $4,000 on your credit card, the company charges 1.3% interest per month, and you just let the balance ride. Over the period of two years, rounded to the nearest penny, you will pay $_____ in interest.

Solution

To find out how much interest you will pay over two years, we can use the formula for compound interest, since the interest is applied monthly.

The formula for compound interest is:

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

Where:

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

In this case:

  • P=4000P = 4000 dollars
  • r=0.013×12=0.156r = 0.013 \times 12 = 0.156 (since 1.3% interest per month equals 15.6% annual interest)
  • n=12n = 12 (since the interest is compounded monthly)
  • t=2t = 2 years

First, we'll calculate the total amount AA, and then we'll find the interest by subtracting the principal PP from AA.

Let's compute this.Over the period of two years, you will pay $1,453.64 in interest, rounded to the nearest penny.

Would you like more details on how this was calculated, or do you have any questions?

Here are five related questions to consider:

  1. What would the interest be if the interest rate was increased to 2% per month?
  2. How would the total interest change if you made a payment each month?
  3. What is the total amount you will owe after two years, including interest?
  4. How long would it take to double your debt at this interest rate without making payments?
  5. What is the effect of paying only the minimum balance each month on the total interest paid?

Tip: Making regular payments, even if small, can significantly reduce the amount of interest you pay over time.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Compound Interest
Algebra
Exponential Growth

Formulas

A = P * (1 + r/n)^(nt)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12