Patricia won the lottery; however, the lottery company gave him the following two options to receive his prize money: Option (a): $10,000 in three months and $14,000 in eight months. Option (b): $5,000 immediately and $20,000 in twelve months. Assume that money earns 4.5% p.a. simple interest and use today as the focal date. a. What was the equivalent value of the payments under option (a) at the focal date? Round to the nearest cent b. What was the equivalent value of the payments under option (b) at the focal date? Round to the nearest cent c. Which option would be economically better for Patricia and by how much? a. Option (a) b. Option (b) is better by .