Final answer:
It will take approximately 16.67 years for Michelle's principal to triple at a simple interest rate of 12% per year.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the time it will take for Michelle's principal to triple at a simple interest rate of 12% per year, we can use the formula for simple interest:
Amount = Principal + (Principal * Rate * Time)
Since Michelle wants to triple her initial investment of $2,000, the amount after time t will be $6,000. Plugging in the values into the formula, we get:
$6,000 = $2,000 + ($2,000 * 0.12 * Time)
Simplifying this equation, we get:
Time = ($6,000 - $2,000) / ($2,000 * 0.12)
Time = 4 / 0.24
Time = 16.67 years
Therefore, it will take approximately 16.67 years for Michelle's principal to triple at a simple interest rate of 12% per year.