The expressions in parts B and C are equivalent. Explain what this means in terms of Melanie’s situation.

If the expressions in parts B and C are equivalent, it means that the amount of money Melanie will have after two years is the same whether she invests $1000 at an interest rate of 8% compounded annually or if she invests $500 at an interest rate of 8% compounded semiannually for two years. This means that Melanie has two options that will result in the same outcome, and she can choose whichever option works best for her financial situation.

In Melanie's situation, if the expressions in parts B and C are equivalent, it means that they represent the same mathematical relationship. In other words, both expressions would yield the same result when evaluated. This implies that Melanie can use either expression to represent her situation and obtain the same outcome.