$$4500$ is invested for $11$ years at the following interest rates:

$j_4=9\%$ for the first $4$ years;

$j_{12}=7\%$ for the next $3$ years $($following the first $4$ years$)$; and

$j_{365}=8\mathrm{.}5\%$ for the final $4$ years.

a$)$ Determine the accumulated value of the investment after $11$ years.

Answer: $

b$)$ What equivalent nominal rate, $j_2,$ was earned over the $11-$year period?

Answer:

$\%$