Answer:
7.87 years
Step-by-step explanation:
#First we determine the effective annual rate based on the 9% compounded semi annual;
[tex]i_m=(1+i/m)^m-1\\\\=(1+0.09/2)^2-1\\\\=0.09203[/tex]
#We then use this effective rate in the compound interest formula to solve for n. Given that the principal doubles after 2 yrs:
[tex]A=P(1+i)^n\\\\A=2P, i=i_m\\\\16000=8000(1.09203)^n\\\\2=1.09203^n\\\\n=\frac{log \ 2}{log \ 1.09203}\\\\=7.87324\approx7.87 \ yrs[/tex]
Hence, it takes 7.87 years for the principal amount to double.