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Math & StatsHARD15% of exam

An income stream of $50,000 per year for 10 years, with a discount rate of 8%, has what present value? (Use PV factor of 6.71)

Correct Answer

A) $335,500

Present Value = Annual Income × PV Factor. $50,000 × 6.71 = $335,500.

Answer Options
A
$335,500
B
$500,000
C
$50,000
D
$400,000

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Option A is correct because it properly applies the present value formula for an annuity: Present Value = Annual Income × PV Factor. The calculation is straightforward: $50,000 × 6.71 = $335,500. The PV factor of 6.71 already incorporates the 8% discount rate over the 10-year period, representing the sum of individual discount factors for each year. This methodology correctly converts the future income stream into its equivalent present value.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option B: $500,000

Option B ($500,000) represents the total undiscounted income over 10 years ($50,000 × 10), which ignores the time value of money completely. This fails to account for the fact that future dollars are worth less than present dollars due to the 8% discount rate.

Option C: $50,000

Option C ($50,000) only represents one year's income and completely ignores both the 10-year duration and the present value calculation. This answer fails to consider the annuity nature of the income stream.

Option D: $400,000

Option D ($400,000) appears to be an arbitrary figure that doesn't correspond to any logical calculation method. It's neither the undiscounted total nor the properly discounted present value, making it an incorrect distractor.

PV-AI Formula

Remember 'PV = AI × PVF' where PV is Present Value, AI is Annual Income, and PVF is Present Value Factor. Think 'Pay Very Attention to Income' to remember the multiplication relationship.

How to use: When you see an annuity present value question, immediately identify the three components: annual income amount, the given PV factor, and multiply them together. Don't get distracted by calculating individual year discounts when a factor is provided.

Exam Tip

Always use the provided PV factor rather than trying to calculate it manually during the exam - this saves time and reduces calculation errors. Double-check that you're multiplying, not dividing, the annual income by the factor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • -Using total undiscounted income instead of applying the PV factor
  • -Dividing instead of multiplying the annual income by the PV factor
  • -Trying to manually calculate individual year present values instead of using the provided annuity factor

Concept Deep Dive

Analysis

This question tests the fundamental concept of present value calculation for an annuity in real estate appraisal. Present value represents the current worth of a future stream of income payments, discounted back to today's dollars using a specific discount rate. The calculation requires multiplying the annual income by a present value factor, which represents the sum of individual present value factors for each year of the income stream. This concept is essential in income approach valuations where appraisers must convert future rental income or cash flows into current market value.

Background Knowledge

Present value calculations are fundamental to the income approach in real estate appraisal, where future income streams must be converted to current market value. The present value factor represents the mathematical relationship between future cash flows and their current worth, incorporating both the discount rate and time period.

Real-World Application

Appraisers use this calculation when valuing income-producing properties like rental buildings, where they need to convert projected rental income over a holding period into current market value for comparison with sales data.

present valueannuitydiscount rateincome approachPV factor

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