Math Problem Statement

Your parents will retire in 19 years. They currently have $210,000, and they think they will need $1 million at retirement. What annual interest rate must they earn to reach their goal, assuming they don't save any additional funds? Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to two decimal places.

Solution

We need to determine the annual interest rate required for an investment to grow from $210,000 to $1,000,000 over 19 years, assuming no additional contributions.

This problem can be solved using the future value formula for compound interest:

FV=PV×(1+r)tFV = PV \times (1 + r)^t

Where:

  • FVFV is the future value ($1,000,000),
  • PVPV is the present value ($210,000),
  • rr is the annual interest rate (which we need to find),
  • tt is the time period in years (19 years).

Rearranging the formula to solve for rr:

r=(FVPV)1t1r = \left( \frac{FV}{PV} \right)^{\frac{1}{t}} - 1

Now, let's substitute the given values:

r=(1,000,000210,000)1191r = \left( \frac{1,000,000}{210,000} \right)^{\frac{1}{19}} - 1

I'll calculate this now.The annual interest rate required for the investment to grow from $210,000 to $1,000,000 over 19 years is approximately 8.56%.

Do you need further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions you might consider:

  1. What if the retirement period is reduced to 15 years? How would the required interest rate change?
  2. How would additional yearly contributions affect the required interest rate?
  3. What is the effect of inflation on the future value in today's dollars?
  4. How does compounding frequency (e.g., monthly or quarterly) affect the required interest rate?
  5. What if they have more than $210,000 currently—how would that change the interest rate?

Tip: The more frequently interest is compounded, the less the required nominal interest rate for the same future value.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Compound Interest
Exponential Growth

Formulas

Future Value Formula: FV = PV × (1 + r)^t
Rearranged formula to find interest rate: r = (FV / PV)^(1/t) - 1

Theorems

Compound Interest Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12