Final answer:
Using the continuous compounding formula and the rate derived from the doubling time, Maya will have approximately $1317.56 in her account after 5 years, with an annual interest rate of about 8.2%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asks how much money will be in an account after 5 years if it's initially deposited with $900 and compounded continuously, with the amount doubling every 8.5 years. To solve this, we'll use the formula for continuous compounding, A = Pert, where P is the principal amount, e is the base of the natural logarithm, r is the annual interest rate, and t is the time in years. Since the account doubles every 8.5 years, we can find the rate using the doubling time formula r = ln(2)/T, where T is the doubling time.
Firstly, calculate the rate:
r = ln(2)/8.5
r ≈ 0.082
Now, we'll use this rate to find the future value after 5 years:
A = 900e(0.082)(5)
A ≈ $900e0.41
A ≈ $1317.56
Therefore, to the nearest dollar and cents, Maya will have $1317.56 in her account after 5 years, with a growth rate of approximately 0.082 or 8.2% (rounded to three decimal places).