Final answer:
To calculate the total amount of the investment at the end, use the simple interest formula: A = P(1 + rt). Plug in the values of P, r, and t to find the answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the total amount of the investment at the end, you can use the simple interest formula: A = P(1 + rt), where A is the total amount, P is the principal amount (in this case $500), r is the interest rate (2% or 0.02), and t is the time in years (5 years). Plugging in the values, we get A = 500(1 + 0.02(5)) = $550.
So, the correct answer choice is 2a. $550.
The equation to calculate the investment would be A = 500(1 + 0.02(5)).