Question:
A year ago, Tom and Al each deposited $1,000 in separate investment accounts. Tom's account earns 5% every year. Al's account earns 2.5% every six months. What is the difference (in dollars) between Tom's and Al's accounts today?
The correct answer is .63.After one year, Tom has: $1,000 + (.05)(1,000) = $1,050. After one year, Al has: $1,000 + (.025)(1,000) + (.025)(1025) = $1,050.63. This makes the difference between two accounts: $1,050.63 - $1,050 = $0.63.