Asked by Khyla Singleton on May 04, 2024

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Alex and Courtney are each investing $1,200 today in a savings account. Alex will earn 4% interest compounded annually. Courtney will earn 4% simple interest. After five years Alex will have ____ more than Courtney.

A) $19.98
B) $20.13
C) $20.17
D) $20.21
E) $20.28

Compounded Annually

This refers to the process where interest is added to the principal sum, so that from that moment on, the interest that has been added also earns interest, being calculated and added to the account annually.

Simple Interest

Interest calculated on the principal amount of a loan or deposit, without compounding over time.

Savings Account

A deposit account held at a bank that provides interest on the funds deposited.

  • Understand the concept of compound and simple interest.
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ZK
Zybrea KnightMay 04, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
Alex's investment grows according to the formula for compound interest, A=P(1+r)nA = P(1 + r)^nA=P(1+r)n , where AAA is the amount of money accumulated after n years, including interest, PPP is the principal amount (the initial amount of money), rrr is the annual interest rate (decimal), and nnn is the time the money is invested for in years. For Alex, P = $1,200 , r=0.04r = 0.04r=0.04 , and n=5n = 5n=5 . So, Alex's amount after 5 years is A = 1200(1 + 0.04)^5 = 1200(1.04)^5 = 1200 \times 1.2166529 = $1,459.98 .Courtney's investment grows according to the formula for simple interest, A=P+PrnA = P + PrnA=P+Prn , where AAA is the total amount after n years, PPP is the principal amount, rrr is the annual interest rate (decimal), and nnn is the time the money is invested for in years. For Courtney, P = $1,200 , r=0.04r = 0.04r=0.04 , and n=5n = 5n=5 . So, Courtney's amount after 5 years is A = 1200 + 1200 \times 0.04 \times 5 = 1200 + 240 = $1,440 .The difference between Alex's and Courtney's amounts after 5 years is 1,459.98 - 1,440 = $19.98 .