College Fund
1. **State the problem:** Ann and Tom want to find the lump sum amount to deposit now at a 7% annual interest rate, compounded annually, so that the fund grows to 50000 in 10 years.
2. **Formula used:** The future value of a lump sum with compound interest is given by:
$$ A = P(1 + r)^n $$
where:
- $A$ is the amount after $n$ years,
- $P$ is the principal (initial deposit),
- $r$ is the annual interest rate (as a decimal),
- $n$ is the number of years.
3. **Given values:**
- $A = 50000$
- $r = 0.07$
- $n = 10$
4. **Find $P$:** Rearranging the formula to solve for $P$:
$$ P = \frac{A}{(1 + r)^n} $$
5. **Calculate:**
$$ P = \frac{50000}{(1 + 0.07)^{10}} = \frac{50000}{(1.07)^{10}} $$
6. **Evaluate $(1.07)^{10}$:**
$$ (1.07)^{10} \approx 1.967151 $$
7. **Final calculation:**
$$ P = \frac{50000}{1.967151} \approx 25418.58 $$
**Answer:** Ann and Tom must deposit approximately **25418.58** as a lump sum now to have 50000 in 10 years at 7% annual interest compounded annually.