Final answer:
To find the monthly rent of the apartment at the beginning of year 3, we need to calculate the rental increase for each year and add it to the initial rent. The monthly rent at the beginning of year 3 is $530.45.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the monthly rent of the apartment at the beginning of year 3, we need to calculate the rental increase for each year and add it to the initial rent. Given that the rent increases by 3% each year, the monthly rent at the beginning of year 2 would be:
$500 + ($500 imes 0.03) = $515
To find the monthly rent at the beginning of year 3, we repeat the process:
$515 + ($515 imes 0.03) = $530.45
Therefore, the monthly rent of the apartment at the beginning of year 3 is $530.45 (option b).