QUESTION IMAGE
Question
given the following details:
| item | amount |
|---|---|
| interest rate | 5% |
| loan term | 36 months |
calculate the monthly payment using the financial calculators below.
choose 1 answer:
a $539.48
b $547.59
c $626.80
d $684.03
Step1: Recall the loan payment formula
The formula for the monthly payment \( M \) on a loan is:
where:
- \( P \) is the principal amount (loan amount),
- \( r \) is the monthly interest rate (annual interest rate divided by 12),
- \( n \) is the total number of payments (loan term in months).
Step2: Identify the values
- \( P = \$18,000 \)
- Annual interest rate \( = 5\% = 0.05 \), so monthly interest rate \( r = \frac{0.05}{12} \approx 0.0041667 \)
- Loan term \( n = 36 \) months
Step3: Calculate \( (1 + r)^n \)
Step4: Calculate the numerator \( r(1 + r)^n \)
Step5: Calculate the denominator \( (1 + r)^n - 1 \)
Step6: Calculate the monthly payment \( M \)
Wait, maybe I made a rounding error. Let's use a more precise calculation.
Let's recalculate \( r = \frac{0.05}{12} = \frac{1}{240} \approx 0.0041666667 \)
\( (1 + r)^n = (1 + \frac{1}{240})^{36} \)
Using the formula for compound interest, or a calculator, we can also use the present value of an annuity formula.
Alternatively, use the formula step by step with more precision:
Calculate \( (1 + \frac{0.05}{12})^{36} \):
Let \( x = 1 + \frac{0.05}{12} = \frac{12.05}{12} \)
\( x^{36} = (\frac{12.05}{12})^{36} \)
Taking natural logarithm: \( 36 \times \ln(\frac{12.05}{12}) \approx 36 \times \ln(1.0041666667) \approx 36 \times 0.004158 \approx 0.149688 \)
Exponentiate: \( e^{0.149688} \approx 1.161472 \) (same as before)
Then numerator: \( \frac{0.05}{12} \times 1.161472 = \frac{0.05 \times 1.161472}{12} = \frac{0.0580736}{12} \approx 0.00483947 \)
Denominator: \( 1.161472 - 1 = 0.161472 \)
Then \( M = 18000 \times \frac{0.00483947}{0.161472} \approx 18000 \times 0.0300 \approx 540 \)
Wait, the options are A: 539.48, B: 547.59, etc. Maybe the exact calculation:
Using a financial calculator or Excel's PMT function:
PMT(rate, nper, pv, [fv], [type])
rate = 5%/12, nper = 36, pv = -18000
In Excel, =PMT(5%/12, 36, -18000) gives approximately $547.59? Wait no, let's check:
Wait, 5% annual interest, 36 months, $18,000 principal.
Wait, maybe I made a mistake in the formula. Let's use the correct formula:
The monthly payment formula is:
\( M = \frac{P \times r \times (1 + r)^n}{(1 + r)^n - 1} \)
Let's compute with more precision:
\( r = 0.05 / 12 = 0.0041666667 \)
\( (1 + r)^n = e^{n \times \ln(1 + r)} = e^{36 \times \ln(1.0041666667)} \)
\( \ln(1.0041666667) \approx 0.004158 \)
\( 36 \times 0.004158 = 0.149688 \)
\( e^{0.149688} \approx 1.161472 \)
Then numerator: 0.0041666667 * 1.161472 = 0.004849
Denominator: 1.161472 - 1 = 0.161472
Then M = 18000 (0.004849 / 0.161472) ≈ 18000 0.03003 ≈ 540.54
But the options are A: 539.48, B: 547.59. Wait, maybe the loan is simple interest? No, car loans are usually compound interest.
Wait, maybe the question is using a different method. Let's check the options. The closest to our calculation is A or B. Wait, maybe I made a mistake in the formula.
Wait, another way: The total amount to be paid is principal plus interest. But that's not correct for amortized loans.
Wait, let's use the formula for the monthly payment:
\( M = P \times \frac{r(1 + r)^n}{(1 + r)^n - 1} \)
Let's plug in the numbers:
P = 18000, r = 0.…
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B. $547.59