How much money should be deposited today in an account that earns 5 % compounded semiannually so that it will accumulate to $ 10,000 in three years?

The formula for this is: A=P (1+r/n) ^ (nt)

A = amount in the account

P = amount you start with

r = rate it is compounded

t = time (in years)

n = number of times per year

Since you are looking for the principle, you solve for P

P = (10,000) / (1 + (0.05/2)) ^ (2) (3)

P = $8622.97