Answer:
the amount at the end of the third year is A3 = $11,330.40.
Explanation:
To solve this problem, we can use the formula for compound interest:
A = P(1 + r/n)^(n*t)
Where:
A = the final amount
P = the principal (initial amount)
r = the annual interest rate (as a decimal)
n = the number of times the interest is compounded per year
t = the number of years
For the first year, the interest rate is 10%, so we have:
A1 = 8000(1 + 0.1/1)^(1*1)
A1 = 8800
After the first year, the principal becomes 8800. For the second year, the interest rate is 12%, so we have:
A2 = 8800(1 + 0.12/1)^(1*1)
A2 = 9856
After the second year, the principal becomes 9856. For the third year, the interest rate is 15%, so we have:
A3 = 9856(1 + 0.15/1)^(1*1)
A3 = 11330.4
Therefore, the amount at the end of the third year is A3 = $11,330.40.
In summary, the initial amount of $8,000 is compounded annually for three years at different interest rates. By using the formula for compound interest, we find that the amount at the end of the third year is $11,330.40.