Final answer:
To calculate the balance at the end of the month using the unpaid balance method, calculate the interest on the previous balance, add it to the previous balance, and then subtract any payments made.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the balance at the end of the month using the unpaid balance method, we need to calculate the interest on the previous balance and subtract any payments made.
Step 1: Calculate the interest on the previous balance (2000) using the monthly rate (1.8%).
Interest = previous balance * monthly rate = 2000 * 0.018 = 36
Step 2: Add the interest to the previous balance.
New balance = previous balance + interest = 2000 + 36 = 2036
Step 3: Subtract any payments made (550).
Balance at the end of the month = new balance - payments = 2036 - 550 = 1486
Therefore, the balance at the end of the month is $1486.