Final answer:
Using the future value formula that accounts for a 4% annual inflation rate, $100 today will have the purchasing power of approximately $37.50 in 25 years.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate how much $100 will buy you in 25 years with an annual inflation rate of 4%, you can use the formula for the future value of a present amount under inflation:
Future Value = Present Value / (1 + Inflation Rate)^Number of Years
Firstly, we take the current value of $100 and apply the formula with an inflation rate of 0.04 (4% expressed as a decimal).
Future Value = $100 / (1 + 0.04)^25
Next, include the inflation rate:
Future Value = $100 / (1.04)^25
Then, calculate the denominator:
(1.04)^25 ≈ 2.66634
Now divide the current value by this result:
Future Value ≈ $100 / 2.66634
Future Value ≈ $37.50
Thus, in 25 years, you would be able to buy approximately $37.50 worth of goods with what is $100 today.