Patrick invests a sum of money for 2.5 years at 12% p.a. compounded monthly. If he earns $11305 after 2.5 years, how much is his investment?

let the investment be P

P(1.01)^30 = 11305
P = 11305/1.01^30 = 8387.44

50000

32500

To find out the initial investment made by Patrick, we can use the formula for compound interest:

A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)

Where:
A is the final amount (which is $11305),
P is the principal amount (the initial investment),
r is the annual interest rate (12%),
n is the number of times interest is compounded per year (12, for monthly compounding),
t is the time in years (2.5 years).

Using the given information, we can plug it into the formula:

$11305 = P(1 + 0.12/12)^(12 * 2.5)

Simplifying further:

$11305 = P(1 + 0.01)^(30)

Now, let's solve for P, the principal amount.

Divide both sides of the equation by (1.01)^30:

$11305 / (1.01)^30 = P

Using a calculator:

P ≈ $8000.62

Therefore, Patrick's initial investment was approximately $8000.62.