Final answer:
Account 2 is better for Vivian to invest her $2,700 as it earns a total of approximately $70.57 more than Account 1 after considering the annual maintenance fees and compounding interest. None of the provided answer choices match this correct calculation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which investment offers Vivian the higher profit, we must calculate the final amount including interest for both accounts and subtract the maintenance fees. Then compare the two.
Account 1 Calculation
Account 1 offers 6.6% interest compounded semiannually for 2 years. The formula for compound interest is A = P(1 + r/n)
, where:
P is the principal amount ($2,700)
r is the annual interest rate (6.6% or 0.066)
n is the number of times interest is compounded per year (2)
t is the number of years the money is invested (2)
The total amount in Account 1 after 2 years before fees is calculated as:
$2,700(1 + 0.066/2)
×
= $2,997.96 approximately.
Account 2 Calculation
Account 2 offers 4.4% interest compounded quarterly for 3 years. Using the compound interest formula:
P is still $2,700
r is 4.4% or 0.044
n is 4
t is 3
The total amount in Account 2 after 3 years before fees is calculated as:
$2,700(1 + 0.044/4)
×
= $3,083.53 approximately.
After subtracting the annual maintenance fees ($15 yearly), the profit can be compared:
Account 1 profit: $2,997.96 - (2 × $15) = $2,967.96
Account 2 profit: $3,083.53 - (3 × $15) = $3,038.53
Thus, Account 2 is better because it earns $70.57 more than Account 1, not the amounts mentioned in any of the answer choices provided.