Which is the better deal 10000 invested at 5 compounded year
Which is the better deal, $10,000 invested at 5%, compounded yearly, for 20 years, or $5,000 invested at 10%, compounded continuously, for 20 years?
Solution
$10,000 invested at 5%, compounded yearly, for 20 years
 compound interest formula: A=P(1+i)^n, P=initial investment, i=interest rate per compounding period, n=number of periods, A=amt after n-periods
 For given problem:
 P=$10000
 i=.05
 n=20
 A=10000(1+.05)^20
 A=10000(1.05)^20$26,533
$5,000 invested at 10%, compounded continuously, for 20 years
 Formula for continuous compounding: A=Pe^rt, P=initial investment, r=interest rate, t=number of years, A=amt after t-years
 For given problem:
 P=$5000
 r=0.10
 t=20
 A=amt after t-years
 A=5000*e^.10*20
 A=5000*e^2
 A$36,945
$5000 investment compounded continuously is the better dea

