Problema Solution

Sam is planning on going on a holiday to Europe in 18 months’ time. He knows that he will need $6500 to be able to visit every country that he wants to. How much does Sam need to invest now in a term deposit which offers 6.2% p.a. interest compounded fortnightly so that he will have the required $6500 in 18 months’ time?

Answer provided by our tutors

P = the money needed to invest

r = 0.062 or 6.2% annual interest rate

t = 18 months = 1.5 years = 78 weeks

m = 52/2 = 26 compounding periods per year (since 1 year has 52 weeks and the interests is compounded fortnightly (every 2 weeks))

i = r/m = 0.062/26 interest rate per period

n = t*m = 1.5*26 = 39 total number of compounding periods

A = $6,500 the future value


A = P(1 + i)^n


6500 = P(1 + 0.062/26)^39


P = 6500/(1 + 0.062/26)^39


P = $5,923.41


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Sam should deposit $5,923.41.