Use the simple interest formula to determine the missing value. \[ p=?, r=4 \%, t=6 \text { months, } i=\$ 36 \] \( p=\$ \square \) (Round to the nearest cent as needed.)

To find the principal amount \( p \), we can use the simple interest formula: \[ i = p \times r \times t \] Here, \( r \) needs to be in decimal form, so we convert \( 4\% \) to \( 0.04 \). Since \( t \) is in months, we convert \( 6 \) months to years, which is \( \frac{6}{12} = 0.5 \) years. Now we can plug in the values: \[ 36 = p \times 0.04 \times 0.5 \] Now, simplifying this: \[ 36 = p \times 0.02 \] To find \( p \), divide both sides by \( 0.02 \): \[ p = \frac{36}{0.02} = 1800 \] So, the principal amount \( p \) is \( \$1800.00 \).