Math Problem Statement

Undying Life Insurance Company offers an investment policy that will pay you and your heirs $50,000 per year forever. Suppose the company told you the policy costs $654,163. At what interest rate would this be a fair deal? (Do not include the percent sign (%). Enter rounded answer as directed, but do not use the rounded numbers in intermediate calculations. Round your answer to 2 decimal places (e.g., 32.16).)

Solution

This problem deals with the concept of a perpetuity, which is a constant stream of cash flows that continue indefinitely. The formula for the present value (PV) of a perpetuity is given by:

PV=CrPV = \frac{C}{r}

Where:

  • PVPV is the present value of the perpetuity,
  • CC is the annual cash flow (payment),
  • rr is the interest rate (as a decimal).

We are given:

  • PV=654,163PV = 654,163 (the cost of the policy),
  • C=50,000C = 50,000 (the annual payment),
  • rr is the unknown interest rate we need to solve for.

Rearranging the formula to solve for rr:

r=CPVr = \frac{C}{PV}

Substitute the known values:

r=50,000654,163r = \frac{50,000}{654,163}

Let's calculate rr.The interest rate that would make this a fair deal is approximately 0.0764, or 7.64% when expressed as a percentage.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions:

  1. What is a perpetuity, and how is it different from an annuity?
  2. How would the interest rate change if the annual payment was higher or lower?
  3. Can a perpetuity formula be used for non-constant payments? Why or why not?
  4. What role does inflation play in the value of a perpetuity?
  5. How is the concept of present value useful in investment decisions?

Tip: Always be cautious with perpetuities when dealing with real-world investments, as factors like inflation and changing interest rates could affect the future value of money.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Finance
Perpetuity
Interest Rate

Formulas

PV = C / r
r = C / PV

Theorems

Perpetuity Formula

Suitable Grade Level

College/University level (Finance or Economics)