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An investment of $1,000 was made for 3 years at 4% interest compounded annually. How much was the principal?

User Xcodr
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To find the principal amount, use the formula for compound interest, A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt), and plug in the given values. Solving for P gives a principal amount of approximately $905.57.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the principal amount, we can use the formula for compound interest:

A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)

Where:

  • A is the future amount
  • P is the principal amount
  • r is the interest rate
  • n is the number of times interest is compounded per year
  • t is the number of years

In this case, we know that A is $1,000, r is 4% (or 0.04), n is 1 (as interest is compounded annually), and t is 3.

Plugging these values into the formula, we get:

1000 = P(1 + 0.04/1)^(1*3)

Solving for P, the principal amount, gives us:

P = $1,000 ÷ (1.04^3)

Calculating this value gives us:

P ≈ $905.57

User Kevswanberg
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