The formula (S = P(1 + i)^n) is used to calculate the future value of a series of equal payments with interest compounded when the payments are made.
Let's break down the components of the formula:
- (S) represents the future value of the series of payments.
- (P) is the periodic payment or the amount of money paid or received at regular intervals.
- (i) is the interest rate per period, expressed as a decimal.
- (n) is the number of periods or the total number of payments.
When you make a series of equal payments (P) at regular intervals, and these payments are subject to compound interest (compounded at the rate of (i) per period), the future value (S) can be calculated by multiplying each payment by the future value interest factor, which is ((1 + i)^n).
This formula is commonly used in financial calculations, such as determining the future value of a series of regular contributions to a savings account or the future value of loan payments over time.
It helps in understanding how the value of these payments grows over multiple compounding periods.