TIME AND PURPOSE OF PROBLEMS
Problem 6-1 (Time 15–20 minutes)
Purpose—to present an opportunity for the student to determine how to use the present value tables in
various situations. Each of the situations presented emphasizes either a present value of 1 or a present
value of an ordinary annuity situation. Two of the situations will be more difficult for the student because
a noninterest-bearing note and bonds are involved.
Problem 6-2 (Time 15–20 minutes)
Purpose—to present an opportunity for the student to determine solutions to four present and future
value situations. The student is required to determine the number of years over which certain amounts
will accumulate, the rate of interest required to accumulate a given amount, and the unknown amount
of periodic payments. The problem develops the student’s ability to set up present and future value
equations and solve for unknown quantities.
Problem 6-3 (Time 20–30 minutes)
Purpose—to present the student with an opportunity to determine the present value of the costs of
competing contracts. The student is required to decide which contract to accept.
Problem 6-4 (Time 20–30 minutes)
Purpose—to present the student with an opportunity to determine the present value of two lottery
payout alternatives. The student is required to decide which payout option to choose.
Problem 6-5 (Time 20–25 minutes)
Purpose—to provide the student with an opportunity to determine which of four insurance options results
in the largest present value. The student is required to determine the present value of options which
include the immediate receipt of cash, an ordinary annuity, an annuity due, and an annuity of changing
amounts. The student must also deal with interest compounded quarterly. This problem is a good
summary of the application of present value techniques.
Problem 6-6 (Time 25–30 minutes)
Purpose—to present an opportunity for the student to determine the present value of a series of
deferred annuities. The student must deal with both cash inflows and outflows to arrive at a present
value of net cash inflows. A good problem to develop the student’s ability to manipulate the present
value table factors to efficiently solve the problem.
Problem 6-7 (Time 30–35 minutes)
Purpose—to present the student an opportunity to use time value concepts in business situations.
Some of the situations are fairly complex and will require the student to think a great deal before
answering the question. For example, in one situation a student must discount a note and in another
must find the proper interest rate to use in a purchase transaction.
Problem 6-8 (Time 20–30 minutes)
Purpose—to present the student with an opportunity to determine the present value of an ordinary
annuity and annuity due for three different cash payment situations. The student must then decide
which cash payment plan should be undertaken.