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An engineering freshman wants to purchase a laptop computer for use during the 5

ID: 1189446 • Letter: A

Question

An engineering freshman wants to purchase a laptop computer for use during the 5 years that she plans to study engineering at Louisiana Tech University. Alter looking around a bit, she finds that a well-equipped laptop with software can be purchased for $2,000 and that it should have a market value of approximately $300 if she wants to sell it when she graduates alter 5 years. Assume that maintenance and supplies will cost $100 each six months Use an interest rate of 12%, compounded monthly, and determine the equivalent uniform monthly cost of owning and operating the computer.

Explanation / Answer

First find Net present value of Laptop

NPV=Purchase cost + P.V of maintenance- P.V of salvage

Interest rate for 6 month =(1+0.12/12)^6-1=6.15%

Interest rate for 1 year =(1+0.12/12)^12-1=12.7%

NPV=2000+100/(1.0615)^1+100/(1.0615)^2+100/(1.0615)^3+100/(1.0615)^4+100/(1.0615)^5+100/(1.0615)^6+100/(1.0615)^7+100/(1.0615)^8+100/(1.0615)^9+100/(1.0615)^10-300/(1.127^5)

NPV=2561.7

Let monthly rate=x

NPV=x*Annuity factor(1% for 60 periods)=x*44.95

X=2561.7/44.95=$56.99

Thus equivalent monthly rate=$56.99