Final answer:
The rule of 72 is an approximation to figure out doubling time. In this case, it will take approximately 18 years for $100 to double in an account that earns 4% interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rule of 72 is an approximation to figure out doubling time. We divide the rule number, 72, by the annual growth rate to obtain the approximate number of years it will take for income to double. In this case, since the interest rate is 4%, we divide 72 by 4 to get 18 years. Therefore, it will take approximately 18 years for $100 to double in an account that earns 4% interest.