Final answer:
Pamela made $41,923 through compound interest on a $3,000 investment over 40 years, assuming a 7% annual rate of return.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about compounded returns on an investment account established with a starting balance of $3,000 at a 7% real annual rate of return over a period of 40 years. Using compound interest formula, the initial investment grows to $44,923 after 40 years. This significant growth demonstrates the power of compound interest over a long period and the importance of starting to save early in life.