Final answer:
To find the nominal interest rate compounded semi-annually, we can use the formula for compound interest. Substituting the known values, we find that the nominal interest rate is approximately 4.5%.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the nominal interest rate compounded semi-annually, we can use the formula for compound interest:
A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)
Where:
A = the balance in the fund at the end of year 6 ($121,000)
P = the initial investment amount ($9,000)
r = the nominal interest rate we want to find
n = the number of compounding periods per year (2 for semi-annually)
t = the number of years (6)
Substituting the known values into the formula, we have:
$121,000 = $9,000(1 + r/2)^(2 * 6)
Simplifying the equation, we get:
13.444 = (1 + r/2)^12
Using trial and error or an iterative method, we find that the nominal interest rate r is approximately 0.045 or 4.5%.