To calculate the principal in each account, we can use the following formula:
Principal = Simple Interest / (Interest Rate * Time)
For Account A:
Principal = $5.40 / (3.6% * 9 months)
Principal = $16.67 (rounded to the nearest dollar)
For Account B:
Principal = $15.75 / (2.1% * 18 months)
Principal = $41.67 (rounded to the nearest dollar)
To calculate which account earned the most interest the first month, we can use the following formula:
Simple Interest = Principal * Interest Rate * Time
For Account A:
Simple Interest = $16.67 * 3.6% * 1 month
Simple Interest = $0.60
For Account B:
Simple Interest = $41.67 * 2.1% * 1 month
Simple Interest = $0.88
Therefore, Account B earned more interest the first month.
Answer:
Account A has a principal of $16.67.
Account B has a principal of $41.67.
Account B earned more interest the first month.
Step-by-step explanation:
Account B has a higher principal and a higher interest rate, so it earned more interest the first month.