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Chapter 4.2® - Compounding Interest Homework Problem & Time Value of Money Continued - Future Value Formula, Growth of $100 & Future Value Comparisons

From the introduction to time value of money (part 4.1), we can derive a formula, which will be the future value of $1 invested for t periods at a rate of r per period. The equation is:

Future Value = $1 x (1 + r)t

The expression (1 + r)t is sometimes referred to as the future value interest factor for $1 invested at r percent for t periods of time.

Let’s use this future value formula to derive the original $121 at the end of the 2nd year.

Future Value = $1 x (1 + r)t

Future Value = $1 x (1+0.1)2

Future Value = $1 x (1.1)2

Future Value = $1 x (1.21)

Future Value = $1.21 x $100

Future Value = $121

What would be $100 worth in 5 years, at a 10% interest rate?

Future Value = $1 x (1 + r)t

Future Value = $1 x (1+0.1)5 = 1.15 = 1.61051

Future Value = 1.61051 x $100 = $161.05

The table below shows the growth of $100 each year at 10% interest. Each year, the interest earned is equal to the beginning amount multiplied by the interest rate (10%). How much of this $161.05 is simple interest, and how much of it is compounding interest? Well $100 x 0.10 = $10 per year, so in 5 years, the total simple interest is 5 years x $10 = $50. Thus, we can calculate the compounding interest by subtracting $161.05 - $150 = $11.05

Year
(A)

 

Beginning Amount
(B)
Simple Interest
(C)
$100 x 10%
Interest Earned on Interest
(D)
((B) x 10%) - C
Total Interest Earned (E)
(C + D)
Ending Amount (F)
(B + E)
1
$100
$10
$0
$10
$110
2
$110
$10
$1
$11
$121
3
$121
$10
$2.1
$12.1
$133.10
4
$133.10
$10
$3.31
$13.31
$146.41
5
$146.41
$10
$4.641
$14.641
$161.051


The above graph shows the growth of $100 from inception at year 1 earning simple interest of $10 (10%) and earning $11 in the 2nd year, thus making the new total compounded earnings to $21 at the end of year 2. This compounding effect continues to year 5 when the money has grown from $100 to $161.05 in Year 5.
The above graph shows the growth of $100 from inception at year 1 earning simple interest of $10 (10%) and earning $11 in the 2nd year, thus making the new total compounded earnings to $21 at the end of year 2. This compounding effect continues to year 5 when the money has grown from $100 to $161.05 in Year 5.

Compound Interest Homework Problem

Consider you found an investment that pays 15% annual interest, which sounds fantastic to you! This makes you invest $1000 in to it, how much will you have in 3 years? How much will you have in 7 years? And at the end of 7 years, how much interest will you have earned, and how much of it will be compounding interest?
Note: We recommend you try this problem without looking at the solution below first, however if you get stuck, feel free to take a peak!

a) Future Value = $1 x (1 + r)t = =$1 x (1 + 0.15)3 = $1.153 = 1.520875 x $1000 = $1,520.875

b) Future Value = $1 x (1 + r)t = =$1 x (1 + 0.15)7 = $1.157 = 2.66002 x $1000 = $2,660.02

You invested $1000 x 15% = $150 simple interest each year, thus total simple interest in 7 years = $150 x 7 = $1,050

Compound Interest = Total Interest – Simple Interest

Compound Interest = $1,660.02 -$1050

Compound Interest = $610.02


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