The reason for two formulas and two tables is historical, predating handheld calcula-
tors. Without a calculator, a multiplication problem is typically easier than a long divi-
sion problem with the same two large numbers.
Theoretically, we need only one formula and one table. The second present value for-
mula and the table of present value factors permit us to solve present value problems by
using multiplication instead of division. Look at example J. To solve the problem requires
that we divide $20,000 by 1.12716, which is extremely time-consuming to do without a
calculator. (The answer is $17,743.71.) Using Table 16-2, we can solve the same problem
by multiplying $20,000 by 0.88719, a relatively easy calculation even without a calculator.
(The answer is $17,743.80; the difference is due to rounding in the creation of the table.)
NOTES ABOUT THE FUTURE VALUE
AND PRESENT VALUE TABLES
Chapter 16 Compound Interest 325
16.7 Finance courses and financial de-
cision-making normally involve more
work with present values than with fu-
ture values.Before the age of calcula-
tors,a traditional finance textbook
might not have used a future value
table very often.
16.8 Emphasize again that the present
value formula and table were devel-
oped to make an “easier”multiplication
problem compared to a very tedious
long division problem in “precalculator
days”—less than 35 years ago.
The numbers in the future value table
(Table 16-1) are actually just the future
value of $1.00 at a specific interest rate
and for a specific period of time. For
example, suppose that you invest $1.00 for
2 years at 6% compounded annually. This
is the same problem as example A, except
that the principal is only $1.00 instead of
$2,000.00
The calculations shown at the right
have not been rounded off. The answer,
which is $1.1236, is the future value of the
$1.00 investment. Now, find row 2 and the
6.00% column of Table 16-1. The future
value factor is 1.12360—exactly the same
as $1.1236, without the dollar sign and
with five decimal places.
$1.00 Original principal
3
0.06 Interest rate
$0.0600 First-year interest
1
1.0000 First-year principal
$1.0600 Second-year principal
0
3 0.06 Interest rate
$0.0636 Second-year interest
1
1.06
00 Second-year principal
$1.1236 Final compound amount
Each number in the present value table (Table 16-2) can be calculated directly from
the corresponding number in the future value table. The corresponding numbers are
reciprocals of each other. The reciprocal of a number is found by dividing the number
into 1.
Look back at examples J and K, which
showed two different ways to solve the
same problem. In example J we used a fu-
ture value factor, which was 1.12716. In
example K we used a present value factor,
which was 0.88719. Each factor is in row
24 and the 0.50% column of its respective
table. With your calculator, divide 1 by
1.12716 to get 0.88718549, which, rounded
to five places, is 0.88719. And dividing 1
by 0.88719 gives 1.12715427.
1 4 1.12716 5 0.88718549, or 0.88719
1 4 0.88719 5 1.12715427, or 1.12716
Examine your calculator. You may have a reciprocal key, labeled “1/x.” If you have this
key, enter 1.12716 and press the . The calculator will display 0.88718549. Press the
again and the calculator will display 1.12716, or perhaps 1.12716000.
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