Analyse a periodic cash-flow model
An affine cash-flow recurrence gives the next balance from the current balance, a multiplier and a fixed cash flow. Calculate indexed values in order and represent a discrete model with separate points
- Start from V_0 Use V_0 as the balance before the first transition and use the index to count periods \(\displaystyle V_0=2000,\quad V_1=1.05V_0+300\)
- Apply interest before cash flow Each transition first multiplies the previous balance by the period multiplier and then applies the end-of-period cash flow \(\displaystyle V_{n+1}=1.05V_n+300\)
- Use the previous balance each period After finding one balance, substitute it into the next transition rather than returning to the initial balance \(\displaystyle V_2=1.05V_1+300\)
- Plot indexed balances as separate points A discrete recurrence gives one point for each integer index, so the points are not joined unless a continuous model is specified \(\displaystyle \left(0,V_0\right),\quad\left(1,V_1\right),\quad\left(2,V_2\right)\)
Worked example
A balance starts at $1500. It earns 8% nominal interest per year, compounded half-yearly, and receives a $120 addition at the end of each half-year. Find the balance after two half-year periods and give the points for a discrete graph
- \(\displaystyle i=\frac{8}{100\times2}=0.04,\quad R=1.04\)The half-yearly rate is 0.04, so the period multiplier is 1.04
- \(\displaystyle V_1=1.04\times1500+120=1680\)The first transition applies interest to $1500 before adding $120
- \(\displaystyle V_2=1.04\times1680+120=1867.2\)The second transition uses the first balance of $1680 as its starting value
- \(\displaystyle \left(0,1500\right),\quad\left(1,1680\right),\quad\left(2,1867.2\right)\)Plot one separate point for each integer index in the discrete model
Common mistakes
Difficulty levels
Questions about this topic
Why must the recurrence use the latest balance rather than the initial balance after the first period?+
The balance changes after every transition, so the next period's interest and cash flow act on the latest balance
Why are points on a recurrence graph not joined?+
The recurrence defines values at integer period indices only, so joining points would suggest values between periods that the model does not define
What does a positive fixed cash flow do to the model?+
It adds the same amount at the end of each period, increasing the next balance after interest has been applied
Can I use a calculator?+
A calculator is allowed unless a question is marked no calculator
Which year level and chapter is this?+
Year 12, VCE Units 3 & 4, General Mathematics, chapter 8: Cash flow and amortisation