13. construct argument tommy earned $76.00 in interest after 5 years on a principal of $400. jane earned…

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate Tommy's annual - interest rate

The simple - interest formula is $I = Prt$, where $I$ is the interest, $P$ is the principal, $r$ is the annual interest rate, and $t$ is the time in years. We want to find $r$, so $r=\frac{I}{Pt}$. For Tommy, $I = 76$, $P = 400$, and $t = 5$. Then $r_{Tommy}=\frac{76}{400\times5}=\frac{76}{2000}=0.038 = 3.8%$.

Step2: Calculate Jane's annual - interest rate

Using the same formula $r=\frac{I}{Pt}$. For Jane, $I = 82$, $P = 1000$, and $t = 2$. Then $r_{Jane}=\frac{82}{1000\times2}=\frac{82}{2000}=0.041 = 4.1%$.

Step3: Compare the interest rates

Since $4.1%>3.8%$, Jane's bank has a higher annual - interest rate.

Answer:

I would rather use Jane's bank because it has a higher annual - interest rate (4.1% compared to Tommy's bank's 3.8%).