To find the time required for an investment to grow, we can use the formula for Compound Interest:
A = P * (1 + r/n)^(n*t)
Where:
A = Final amount ($7600)
P = Principal amount ($5000)
r = Annual interest rate (7.5% or 0.075)
n = Number of times interest is compounded per year (quarterly, so n = 4)
t = Time in years (unknown)
We need to solve for t. Rearranging the formula, we have:
(1 + r/n)^(n*t) = A/P
Substituting the given values, we get:
(1 + 0.075/4)^(4*t) = 7600/5000
Simplifying the equation further, we have:
(1 + 0.01875)^(4*t) = 1.52
Taking the natural logarithm (ln) of both sides, we have:
ln(1.01875)^(4*t) = ln(1.52)
(4*t) * ln(1.01875) = ln(1.52)
Now, solving for t:
t = ln(1.52) / (4 * ln(1.01875))
Using a calculator, we find:
t ≈ 3.69
Therefore, the time required for an investment of $5000 to grow to $7600 at an interest rate of 7.5% per year, compounded quarterly, is approximately 3.69 years.