Problema Solution

If $8,000 is placed in an account with an annual interest rate of 3%, how long will it take the amount to quadruple if the interest is compounded annually?

Answer provided by our tutors

Use compounded interest Formula:

A=P(1+i/n)nt

A=Final amount with interest compounded

P=Principle Amount

n= number of times interest in compounded

P=$8000

i=3%=0.03

n= once per year= 1

Want to quadruple amount, A=4P=4*$8000= $32,000

A=P(1+i/n)nt

$32,000=$8,000(1+0.03/1)1*t

*Use log laws to solve for t

32,000/8,000=(1.03)t

log(32,000/8,000)=log((1.03)t)

log(32,000/8,000)=t*log(1.03)

t= log(32,000/8,000)/log(1.03)

t= 46.9 years ( t in terms of year because interest is compounded once a year)

Check:

$32,000=$8,000(1+0.03/1)46.9

32,000=32,000.43 O.K