Final answer:
To calculate the initial investment for the project with a 3-year life span and given cash inflows, we can use the present value formula. Substituting the values provided, the initial investment is approximately $22,608.62. The closest option to that value is 3) $20,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the initial investment for the project, we need to compute the present value of the annual cash inflows. We can use the formula:
PV = CF1/(1+r)^1 + CF2/(1+r)^2 + CF3/(1+r)^3
Where PV is the present value, CF is the cash inflow for each period, and r is the required rate of return.
Substituting the given values, we have:
PV = 26000/(1+0.15)^1 + 28000/(1+0.15)^2 + 30000/(1+0.15)^3
PV ≈ $22,608.62
Therefore, the initial investment for the project is $22,608.62, which is closest to option 3) $20,000.