To solve this problem, we can use the formula for compound interest:
A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)
where:
A = the amount of money after t years
P = the principal amount (the initial investment)
r = the annual interest rate (as a decimal)
n = the number of times the interest is compounded per year
t = the number of years
We know that P = $5000, A = $6000, r = 0.05 (5%), and n = 12 (since interest is compounded monthly). We can solve for t algebraically:
A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)
$6000 = $5000(1 + 0.05/12)^(12t)
$6000/$5000 = (1 + 0.05/12)^(12t)
1.2 = (1.004167)^(12t)
log(1.2) = log(1.004167)^(12t)
log(1.2) = 12t * log(1.004167)
t = log(1.2) / (12 * log(1.004167))
t ≈ 5.93
Therefore, it will take about 5.93 years (or about 71 months) for the $5000 to grow to $6000 if it is invested at 5% compounded monthly.