Bilquis would have approximately $3,097.38 more in her account than Sophie after 18 years.
For Bilquis, her initial investment is $6,900, and the interest rate is 5(1/8)% or 5.125% compounded continuously. The formula to calculate the future value with continuous compounding is:
A = P * e^(rt)
Where:
A = future value
P = principal (initial investment)
e = mathematical constant approximately equal to 2.71828
r = interest rate as a decimal
t = time in years
Plugging in the values, we get:
A = 6900 * e^(0.05125 * 18)
For Sophie, her initial investment is also $6,900, and the interest rate is 4(3/4)% or 4.75% compounded monthly. The formula to calculate the future value with monthly compounding is:
A = P * (1 + r/n)^(nt)
Where:
A = future value
P = principal (initial investment)
r = interest rate as a decimal
n = number of times interest is compounded per year
t = time in years
Plugging in the values, we get:
A = 6900 * (1 + 0.0475/12)^(12 * 18)
Now we can calculate the future values for both Bilquis and Sophie's investments using the respective formulas.
Calculating the future value for Bilquis' investment, we get:
A = 6900 * e^(0.05125 * 18) = approximately $18,641.86
Calculating the future value for Sophie's investment, we get:
A = 6900 * (1 + 0.0475/12)^(12 * 18) = approximately $15,544.48
Now, to find the difference, we subtract Sophie's future value from Bilquis' future value:
$18,641.86 - $15,544.48 = approximately $3,097.38