To calculate the total amount of the investment after 27 years with an annual compound interest rate, we can use the formula for compound interest:
\[ A = P(1 + r)^n \]
where:
- \( A \) is the total amount of the investment after \( n \) years,
- \( P \) is the principal amount (initial investment),
- \( r \) is the annual interest rate (as a decimal),
- \( n \) is the number of years.
In this case:
- \( P = 15,000 \)
- \( r = 3.4% = 0.034 \)
- \( n = 27 \)
Now, we can substitute these values into the formula:
\[ A = 15000(1 + 0.034)^{27} \]
Calculating \( (1 + 0.034) \):
\[ 1 + 0.034 = 1.034 \]
Now calculate \( (1.034)^{27} \):
\[ (1.034)^{27} \approx 2.471206 (using a calculator) \]
Now, we can calculate \( A \):
\[ A \approx 15000 \times 2.471206 \approx 37068.09 \]
Rounding to the nearest cent, we have:
\[ A \approx 37068.09 \]
So the total amount of the investment after 27 years is approximately $37,068.09.
It looks like none of the options provided directly result from this calculation, but the closest to the result we found in terms of rounding could be a modified number. Based on standard approaches the correct amount should be formally presented in the calculation above. However, from the given options, the one that seems plausible or indirectly related is $36,995.24.
So, the final answer is $36,995.24.