Answer: To solve this problem, we can use the formula for simple interest:
I = P * r * t
where I is the interest earned, P is the principal, r is the interest rate as a decimal, and t is the time in years.
We are given that the interest rate is 1.95% = 0.0195, the time is 30 years, and the final amount in the account is $800. Let P be the principal we are trying to find.
First, we can use the formula to find the total interest earned over the 30-year period:
I = P * r * t
I = P * 0.0195 * 30
I = 0.585P
Next, we can use the fact that the final amount in the account is the sum of the principal and the interest:
800 = P + 0.585P
800 = 1.585P
P = 504.71
Therefore, the principal was $504.71 and the interest earned over the 30-year period was:
I = 0.585P
I = 0.585 * 504.71
I = 294.29
So the interest earned was $294.29.
Explanation: