Final answer:
The interest earned on an $86,000 investment with a 4.0% rate of simple interest over a period of time can be calculated using the formula Interest = Principal × Rate × Time. The interest earned in this case is $1,290.
Step-by-step explanation:
The interest earned can be calculated using the formula:
Interest = Principal × Rate × Time
Given that the principal is $86,000 and the rate is 4.0%, and converting the time from December 2, 2019, to May 18, 2020, which is approximately 5 and a half months or 4.5/12 years, we can substitute the values into the formula:
Interest = $86,000 × 0.04 × (4.5/12) = $1,290.
Therefore, the interest earned is $1,290.