Final answer:
To choose between $80,000 today or $300,000 in 12 years, you compare their present values. The present value of $300,000 in 12 years at a 15% interest rate is $77,139.12, so it would be better to choose $80,000 today. The present value of $530,000 in 12 years at a 15% interest rate is $136,950.93.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether you should choose $80,000 today or $300,000 in 12 years, you need to compare the present value of the future amount to the $80,000. Assuming a 15% annual interest rate, the present value of $300,000 in 12 years is calculated using the formula:
PV = FV / (1 + r)^n
where PV is the present value, FV is the future value, r is the interest rate, and n is the number of years. Plugging in the values, we get:
PV = 300,000 / (1 + 0.15)^12 = $77,139.12
Since $77,139.12 is less than $80,000, it would be better to choose $80,000 today.
To calculate the present value of $530,000 in 12 years with a 15% interest rate, we use the same formula:
PV = 530,000 / (1 + 0.15)^12 = $136,950.93 (rounded to the nearest cent).