Vivian earned some money doing odd jobs last summer and put it in a savings account that earns 3% interest compounded continuously. After 3 years, there is 800.00 in the account. How much did Vivian earn doing odd jobs?

Solution

Vi v ian e a r n e d so m e m o n ey d o in g o dd j o b s l a s t s u mm er an d p u t i t in a s a v in g s a cco u n t t ha t e a r n s 3% in t eres t co m p o u n d e d co n t in u o u s l y . A f t er 3 ye a rs, t h ere i s 800.00 in t h e a cco u n t . Ho w m u c h d i d Vi v ian e a r n d o in g o dd j o b s ?

Principal : 731.14

Solution steps

Translate the problem into an equation:

800 = P e^{0.03 \cdot 3}

Solve for

P, 800 = P e^{0.03 \cdot 3} : P = 731.14

Principal : 731.14