A sum of money doubles itself in 5 years. In how many years will it b...
Solution:
Let the sum of money be P.
According to the question, P doubles itself in 5 years, i.e.,
P x (1 + r/100)^5 = 2P
Simplifying the above equation, we get:
(1 + r/100)^5 = 2
Taking the natural logarithm of both sides, we get:
ln(1 + r/100)^5 = ln2
5 ln(1 + r/100) = ln2
ln(1 + r/100) = ln2/5
Now, using the formula for the compound interest, we can find the time taken for the sum of money to become fourfold.
Let the time taken be t years.
Then,
P x (1 + r/100)^t = 4P
Simplifying the above equation, we get:
(1 + r/100)^t = 4
Taking the natural logarithm of both sides, we get:
ln(1 + r/100)^t = ln4
t ln(1 + r/100) = ln4
Substituting the value of ln(1 + r/100) from the earlier equation, we get:
t ln2/5 = ln4
t = ln4 / ln2/5
t = 10 years
Therefore, the sum of money will become fourfold in 10 years if the interest is compounded.
Hence, the correct answer is option 'B'.