the appropriate formula to use here is
A = P (1 + r)^t,Â
where A is the final amount, P is the initial amount, r is the annual interest rate as a decimal fraction, and t is the number of years (number of compounding periods).
Substituting the givens: Â $35000 = P(1+0.036)^3
                  $35000
Solving for P: Â P = ----------------- = $31476.67 Â Â (answer)
                (1.036)^3