Find the amount and compound interest on $40,000 for 2 years at 2% per annum.
We are given a principal amount of \(P = \$40,000\) invested for \(t = 2\) years at an annual interest rate of \(r = 2\% = 0.02\). The interest is compounded annually, which means the interest is added to the principal at the end of each year. Our goal is to calculate the final total amount and the total compound interest earned over the 2-year period.
The formula for the total amount \(A\) after \(t\) years with annual compounding is given by:
\[A = P(1 + r)^t\]
Once the amount \(A\) is found, the total compound interest \(CI\) can be calculated by subtracting the original principal from the total amount:
\[CI = A - P\]
Using the formula \(A = P(1 + r)^t\), we substitute the given values:
\[A = 40,000(1 + 0.02)^2\]
\[A = 40,000(1.02)^2\]
\[A = 40,000 \times 1.0404\]
\[A = 41,616\]
So, the total amount after 2 years is \(\$41,616\).
Now, we calculate the compound interest by subtracting the initial principal from the total amount:
\[CI = A - P\]
\[CI = 41,616 - 40,000\]
\[CI = 1,616\]
The total compound interest earned is \(\$1,616\).
In conclusion, after 2 years at an annual interest rate of \(2\%\), the total amount accumulated is \(\$41,616\) and the compound interest earned is \(\$1,616\). \(\boxed{\text{Amount: \$41,616, Interest: \$1,616}}\)
Compound interest is a fundamental concept in finance, crucial for understanding savings accounts, loans, and investments. For example, if you deposit \(\$40,000\) in a savings account with a \(2\%\) interest rate compounded annually, the bank calculates interest on the original amount plus any interest earned previously. After two years, your money grows to \(\$41,616\), effectively earning \(\$1,616\) simply by keeping the money in the account. This principle explains how long-term savings grow exponentially over time.