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You inherited land that was purchased for $30,000 in 1960. The value of the land increases by approximately 5% per year. What will be the approximate value of the land 61 years later in 2021?

A. $30,000

B. $588,394.35

C. $13,010.43

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The approximate value of the land 61 years later in 2021, after an annual increase of about 5%, would be approximately $560,383.93, which is not an exact match to any of the options provided. The calculation is based on the compound interest formula with an initial amount of $30,000.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the approximate value of the land 61 years later in 2021 after an annual increase of about 5%, we would use the formula for compound interest:

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

Where:

  • A is the amount of money accumulated after n years, including interest.
  • P is the principal amount (the initial amount of money).
  • r is the annual interest rate (decimal).
  • n is the number of times that interest is compounded per year.
  • t is the time the money is invested or borrowed for, in years.

In our case, since the interest is compounded once per year (annually), the formula simplifies to:

A = P(1 + r)^t

Using P = $30,000, r = 0.05 (5%), and t = 61 years, we get:

A = $30,000(1 + 0.05)^61

A ≈ $30,000(1.05)^61

A ≈ $30,000(18.67946435)

A ≈ $560,383.93

This means the approximate value of the land in 2021 after 61 years would be about $560,383.93. Hence, none of the options A, B, or C is accurate. The correct answer is closest to option B but not exactly the same.

User Bill Christo
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