Final answer:
To calculate the annual percentage rate Suzy needs to earn $1,393 in interest over 9 years, we use the simple interest formula. After solving the formula, we find that Suzy needs an annual rate of approximately 0.0381, or 3.81%, which is option (a).
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the annual percentage rate (APR) that Suzy needs to invest her $4,066 to gain $1,393 in interest after 9 years, we use the formula for simple interest I = PRT, where I is the interest earned, P is the principal amount, R is the rate of interest per year, and T is the time in years.
Substituting the given values we have I = $1,393, P = $4,066, T = 9. We need to solve for R.
So: $1,393 = $4,066 × R × 9
Now, to solve for R
R = $1,393 / ($4,066 × 9)
R = $1,393 / $36,594
R ≈ 0.03806
Rounded to four decimal places, R = 0.0381
So, the annual percentage rate that Suzy needs to find is approximately 0.0381, or 3.81%, which is closest to option a. 0.0346 when rounded to four decimal places.