Joe is taking out a loan for $1,500 with an annual compound interest rate of 15% for 3 years. Joe will not make any additional deposits or withdrawals. What will be the total balance paid at the end of 3 years?
Q. Joe is taking out a loan for $1,500 with an annual compound interest rate of 15% for 3 years. Joe will not make any additional deposits or withdrawals. What will be the total balance paid at the end of 3 years?
Identify Variables: Identify the variables for the compound interest formula.Principal amount P = $1,500Annual interest rate r = 15% or 0.15 (as a decimal)Number of years t = 3Compound frequency n = 1 (since no specific compounding frequency is mentioned, we assume it is compounded annually)
Use Formula: Use the compound interest formula to calculate the total balance at the end of 3 years.The compound interest formula is A=P(1+r/n)(nt), where A is the amount of money accumulated after n years, including interest.Substitute the given values into the formula:A=1500(1+0.15/1)(1∗3)
Calculate Total Balance: Calculate the total balance using the formula.A=1500(1+0.15)3A=1500(1.15)3A=1500×1.153A=1500×1.520875A=2281.3125
Check Calculation: Check the calculation for any mathematical errors.Re-evaluate the exponent:1.153=1.520875 (correct)Multiply by the principal amount:1500×1.520875=2281.3125 (correct)