Final answer:
To solve this problem, we can use the formula for compound interest. In this case, the person must leave the money in the bank for approximately 2.3 years to reach $6400.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve this problem, we can use the formula for compound interest:
A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)
Where:
- A is the final amount of money
- P is the principal amount (initial investment)
- r is the annual interest rate (in decimal form)
- n is the number of times the interest is compounded per year
- t is the number of years
In this case, the principal amount (P) is $4500, the annual interest rate (r) is 5.25% or 0.0525, the interest is compounded monthly (n = 12), and we want to find the number of years (t) it will take for the amount to reach $6400.
Plugging in the values:
$6400 = $4500(1 + 0.0525/12)^(12t)
Dividing both sides by $4500:
1.42222222222 = (1 + 0.0525/12)^(12t)
Taking the natural logarithm of both sides:
ln(1.42222222222) = ln((1 + 0.0525/12)^(12t))
Using logarithmic properties to bring down the exponent:
ln(1.42222222222) = 12t * ln(1 + 0.0525/12)
Dividing both sides by 12 * ln(1 + 0.0525/12):
t = ln(1.42222222222) / (12 * ln(1 + 0.0525/12))
Using a calculator to evaluate the expression:
t ≈ 2.3
Therefore, the person must leave the money in the bank for approximately 2.3 years to reach $6400.