Final answer:
The compound amount of an investment compounded annually is calculated using the formula: Total Future Value = Principal × (1 + interest rate)^time. For example, a $3,000 principal at a 7% annual interest rate for 40 years would grow to $44,923.
Step-by-step explanation:
The formula for the compound amount of an investment compounded annually can be expressed as follows:
Total Future Value = Principal × (1 + interest rate)time
Where:
- Principal is the initial amount of money invested.
- Interest rate is the annual interest rate (expressed as a decimal).
- Time is the number of years the money is invested.
For instance, if you start with a $3,000 investment at a 7% annual rate over 40 years, the compound amount will be calculated as:
$3,000 × (1 + 0.07)40 = $44,923
This demonstrates the power of compound interest over time, and why it's important to start saving early in life. To find the compound interest earned after a certain period, subtract the principal from the calculated future value.