Final Answer:
The closest initial cost of the equipment, based on the provided information and discount factors from the exhibits, is approximately $570,760.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the initial cost of the equipment, we'll use the formula for present value of an annuity:
![\[ \text{PV of Annuity} = \text{Cash inflow} * \left( (1 - (1 + r)^(-n))/(r) \right) \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2024/formulas/business/high-school/7s295u3iknx34hur6b35v4gkufoqvzh06k.png)
Given: Cash inflow per year = $90,000, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) = 12%, Required Rate of Return = 8%, and the useful life of the investment is 10 years.
Using Exhibit 12b-1 and 12b-2, we find the discount factor for 12% (IRR) and 8% (Required Rate of Return) for 10 periods, which are 5.6502 and 6.7101 respectively.
Now, applying the formula:
![\[ \text{PV of Annuity} = \$90,000 * \left( (1 - 5.6502)/(0.12) \right) \approx \$570,760 \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2024/formulas/business/high-school/rpsxhcfalf4reryiitn5iyjap29j6sqp5y.png)
Thus, the closest initial cost of the equipment is approximately $570,760. This calculation derives the present value of the cash inflows discounted back to the present time, considering the given rates and useful life of the investment. The PV of the annuity represents the initial cost of the equipment that would justify the projected cash flows over the specified time frame, ensuring an IRR of 12% against the required rate of return of 8%.