Final answer:
To find the value of Elaine's investments and the total interest earned, we can use the formula for compound interest. Elaine deposited $325 a month for 5 years with a 12.54% average return rate per year. The value of the investments is approximately $23,047.29 and the total interest earned is $3,547.29.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the value of Elaine's investments, we can use the formula for compound interest:
A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)
Where:
- A = the future value of the investment
- P = the principal amount (amount deposited each month)
- r = the annual interest rate (in decimal form)
- n = the number of times interest is compounded per year
- t = the number of years
In this case, Elaine deposits $325 a month for 5 years, and the average return rate is given as 12.54% per year. Since the interest is compounded monthly, n = 12.
Plugging in the values, we have:
A = 325(1 + 0.1254/12)^(12*5)
Calculating this value gives:
A ≈ $23,047.29
To find the total interest earned, we subtract the total amount deposited from the future value:
Total interest earned = A - (325 * 12 * 5) = $23,047.29 - $19,500 = $3,547.29