how much money should be deposited today in an account that earns 3.5% compounded monthly so that it will…

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the compound - interest formula

The compound - interest formula for present value $P$ is $P=\frac{A}{(1 + \frac{r}{n})^{nt}}$, where $A$ is the future value, $r$ is the annual interest rate (in decimal form), $n$ is the number of times compounded per year, and $t$ is the number of years.

Step2: Convert the given values to the appropriate form

We have $A = 12000$, $r=0.035$ (since $3.5%=0.035$), $n = 12$ (compounded monthly), and $t = 3$.

Step3: Substitute the values into the formula

$P=\frac{12000}{(1+\frac{0.035}{12})^{12\times3}}$. First, calculate the value inside the parentheses: $\frac{0.035}{12}\approx0.0029167$, then $1+\frac{0.035}{12}=1 + 0.0029167=1.0029167$. Next, calculate the exponent: $12\times3 = 36$. So, $(1+\frac{0.035}{12})^{12\times3}=(1.0029167)^{36}$. Using a calculator, $(1.0029167)^{36}\approx1.110903$. Then, $P=\frac{12000}{1.110903}\approx10802.02$.

Answer:

$10802.02$