Final answer:
Using the compound interest formula, Sam will have $800.515 in his bank account after eight years, with an initial investment of $500 at an annual interest rate of 6% compounded semi-annually.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount of money Sam will have in his bank account after eight years can be calculated using the formula for compound interest. With a principal of $500, an annual interest rate of 6% compounded semi-annually, and a time span of 8 years, we can use the formula A = P(1 + r/n)(nt), where:
P is the principal amount ($500)
r is the annual interest rate (0.06)
n is the number of times the interest is compounded per year (2)
t is the time the money is invested or borrowed for, in years (8)
Plugging the values into the formula, we get:
A = 500(1 + 0.06/2)(2*8)
A = 500(1 + 0.03)16
A = 500(1.03)16
A = 500 * 1.60103
A = $800.515
So, after eight years, Sam will have $800.515 in his account.