If $ 5,000 is invested in an account that earns 12% interest compounded semi-annually, then the interest earned after one year would be how much greater than if the $ 5,000 had been invested at 8% simple yearly interest? Pick one
A) $ 4 B) $ 8 C) $ 12 D) $ 16 E) $ 432

Rationale: "solution amount ( ci ) = p + ( 1 + r / n ) ^ nt = 5000 + ( 1 + 0.12 / 2 ) ^ 2 = 5412 amount ( si ) = p + ptr / 100 = 5000 + ( 5000 * 1 * 12 / 100 ) = 5400 difference = 5412 - 5400 = 12 $ c"
Answer: C