Answer:
14 3/4 years
Step-by-step explanation:
Let's assume compound inflation. The appropriate formula for that is:
A = P(1 + r)^t.
If we represent current prices by P, then double that would be 2P:
2P = P(1 + 0.048)^t Find t, the time required for prices to double.
Then:
2 = 1.048^t
Taking the natural log of both sides, we get:
ln 2 = t·ln 1.048, so that:
t = (ln 2) / (ln 1.048) = 14.78
At 4.8 inflation, with annual compounding, prices will double in approx. 14 3/4 years.