Jack has $1,331 in an account that earns 5% interest compounded annually.

To the nearest cent, how much will he have in 3 years?

1 answer

To calculate the future value of an investment with compound interest, we can use the formula:

\[ A = P(1 + r)^n \]

Where:

  • \( A \) is the amount of money accumulated after n years, including interest.
  • \( P \) is the principal amount (the initial amount of money).
  • \( r \) is the annual interest rate (decimal).
  • \( n \) is the number of years the money is invested or borrowed.

In this case:

  • \( P = 1,331 \)
  • \( r = 0.05 \) (5% expressed as a decimal)
  • \( n = 3 \) years

Now, substituting these values into the formula:

\[ A = 1331(1 + 0.05)^3 \]

Calculating inside the parentheses first:

\[ 1 + 0.05 = 1.05 \]

Now raise it to the power of 3:

\[ 1.05^3 = 1.157625 \]

Now multiply by the principal:

\[ A = 1331 \times 1.157625 \approx 1,540.97 \]

Thus, to the nearest cent, Jack will have approximately $1,540.97 in his account after 3 years.