Final answer:
Jerry should choose the signing bonus of $23,000 payable on the first day of work, as its present value is greater than the present value of the $26,000 bonus after one year.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which signing bonus option Jerry should choose, we need to calculate the present value of the $26,000 payable after one year at an interest rate of 15%. Using the formula for the present value of a future cash flow, which is the future value divided by
t, we can calculate the equivalent value today of the $26,000 that would be received in one year.
The present value of the $26,000 is calculated as follows: $26,000 /
= $26,000 / 1.15 = $22,608.70 approximately.
Comparing the present value of $22,608.70 with the immediate signing bonus of $23,000, we can see that Jerry would be better off taking the immediate payment, as its present value is greater. Therefore, Jerry should choose the signing bonus of $23,000 payable on the first day of work.