Step 1 :Given that Erica was loaned $5000 at an 8% interest rate compounded monthly for 6 years, we need to find the amount she owes at the end of this period.
Step 2 :We use the formula for compound interest, which is given as \(A=P\left(1+\frac{r}{n}\right)^{n t}\), where:
Step 3 :\(A\) is the amount of money accumulated after n years, including interest.
Step 4 :\(P\) is the principal amount (the initial amount of money).
Step 5 :\(r\) is the annual interest rate (in decimal).
Step 6 :\(n\) is the number of times that interest is compounded per year.
Step 7 :\(t\) is the time the money is invested for in years.
Step 8 :In this case, \(P = 5000\), \(r = 8%\) or \(0.08\), \(n = 12\) (since it's compounded monthly), and \(t = 6\) years. We can substitute these values into the formula to find the final amount Erica owes.
Step 9 :Substituting the given values into the formula, we get \(A = 5000\left(1+\frac{0.08}{12}\right)^{12 \times 6}\)
Step 10 :Solving the above expression, we find that \(A = 8067.510836549617\)
Step 11 :Rounding to the nearest cent, we get \(A = 8067.51\)
Step 12 :Final Answer: The amount Erica owes at the end of 6 years is \(\boxed{\$8067.51}\)