Which account has the highest effective annual interest rate? Account 1: Interest is compounded quarterly at an annual rate of 4.20%. Account 2: Interest is compounded monthly at an annual rate of 4.15%. Account 3: Interest is compounded semiannually at an annual rate of 4.10% Account 4: Interest is compounded annually at a rate of 4.25%.

Account 1 has the highest effective annual interest rate (0.042666142)

Step-by-step explanation:

Hi, to answer this question we have to apply the Effective Annual Interest Rate formula:  

EAIR = [(1+r/n)^n ]-1

Where:

r = nominal interest rate

n = number of periods

If interest is compounded annually, then n = 1; if semi-annually, then n = 2; quarterly, then n = 4; monthly, then n = 12

SO:

Account 1: Interest is compounded quarterly at an annual rate of 4.20%.  

EAIR = [(1+r/n)^n ]-1 = [(1+(4.20/100)/4)^4 ]-1 = 0.042666142

Account 2: Interest is compounded monthly at an annual rate of 4.15%.  

EAIR = [(1+r/n)^n ]-1 = [(1+(4.15/100)/12)^12 ]-1 =0.042298535

Account 3: Interest is compounded semiannually at an annual rate of 4.10%

EAIR = [(1+r/n)^n ]-1 = [(1+(4.10/100)/2)^2]-1 = 0.04142025

Account 4: Interest is compounded annually at a rate of 4.25%.

EAIR = [(1+r/n)^n ]-1 = [(1+(4.25/100)/1)^1 ]-1 = 0.0425

Since:

0.042666142 (1) < 0.0425 (4) < 0.042298535(2) <0.041420258(3)

Account 1 has the highest effective annual interest rate 0.042666142

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step-by-step explanation: