Step 1 :Calculate the future value with annual compounding: FV_a = PV_a * (1 + r_a/n_a)^(n_a*t_a) = 1000 * (1 + 0.08/1)^(1*3) = \(1259.71\)
Step 2 :Calculate the future value with quarterly compounding: FV_b = PV_a * (1 + r_a/n_b)^(n_b*t_a) = 1000 * (1 + 0.08/4)^(4*3) = \(1268.24\)
Step 3 :Calculate the future value with annual compounding and three equal payments: FV_c = 3 * PV_c * (1 + r_a/n_a)^(n_a*t_a) = 3 * 333.333 * (1 + 0.08/1)^(1*3) = \(1082.13\)
Step 4 :Calculate the future value with annual compounding and three equal payments starting from 2018: FV_d = PV_a * (1 + r_a/n_a)^(n_a*t_a) + 2 * PV_c * (1 + r_a/n_a)^(n_a*(t_a-1)) + PV_c * (1 + r_a/n_a)^(n_a*(t_a-2)) = 1000 * (1 + 0.08/1)^(1*3) + 2 * 333.333 * (1 + 0.08/1)^(1*2) + 333.333 * (1 + 0.08/1)^(1*1) = \(1168.70\)
Step 5 :Calculate the required payment amount to have the same ending balance as in part a: payment = FV_a / (1 + r_a/n_a)^(n_a*t_a) = 1259.71 / (1 + 0.08/1)^(1*3) = \(\boxed{473.07}\)