A college student in her senior year is considering purchasing a new car. The price of the car is $18,500, the sales tax is 8%, and the title, license, and registration fee is $450. The dealer offered to finance 90% of the price of the car for 48 months at a nominal interest rate of 9% per year, compounded monthly.
(a) How much cash does the student need to pay at the time she purchases the vehicle?
(b) How much is the monthly payment?