Question 1209857
To determine how much you need in your account at the beginning, we need to calculate the present value of an annuity. Here's how:

**Formula:**

PV = PMT * [1 - (1 + r)^-n] / r

Where:

* PV = Present Value (the initial amount needed)
* PMT = Annual Payment ($40,000)
* r = Annual Interest Rate (8% or 0.08)
* n = Number of Years (25)

**Calculation:**

PV = $40,000 * [1 - (1 + 0.08)^-25] / 0.08
PV = $40,000 * [1 - (1.08)^-25] / 0.08
PV = $40,000 * [1 - 0.1460188] / 0.08
PV = $40,000 * [0.8539812] / 0.08
PV = $40,000 * 10.674765
PV = $426,990.60

**Therefore, you need approximately $426,990.60 in your account at the beginning.**