Is there any way to derive an equation for compound interest based

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving an equation for compound interest based on the effective interest rate rather than the nominal interest rate. Participants explore the differences between these two rates and how they affect the formulation of compound interest equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the equation for the effective interest rate would differ from that of the nominal rate.
  • Another participant provides the standard equation for compound interest based on nominal interest and seeks to understand how it can be modified for effective interest.
  • A participant suggests that the effective interest rate is merely the nominal rate plus a small amount, clarifying a misunderstanding about the term "effective."
  • One participant explains the relationship between nominal and effective interest rates, detailing how to derive the effective interest rate from the nominal rate using the formula for continuous compounding.
  • The same participant presents a modified equation for compound interest that incorporates the effective interest rate, highlighting the differences in compounding periods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the equations for effective and nominal interest rates are fundamentally different. Some participants propose modifications to the compound interest equation, while others question the necessity of such changes, indicating an unresolved debate.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the definitions of nominal and effective interest rates that are not fully explored. The discussion also touches on continuous versus discrete compounding, which may affect the interpretation of the equations presented.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in finance, particularly those exploring the mathematical foundations of interest rates and their applications in compound interest calculations.

ainster31
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Is there any way to derive an equation for compound interest based on effective interest rate instead of the nominal interest rate?
 
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Why would the equation for the effective rate be any different than the equation for the nominal rate ?
 
phinds said:
Why would the equation for the effective rate be any different than the equation for the nominal rate ?

I am aware of this equation for compound interest based on nominal interest:

$$F=P{ e }^{ rt }\\ where\quad r=nominal\quad annual\quad interest\\ and\quad t=number\quad of\quad years$$

How would I modify it for effective interest?
 
ainster31 said:
I am aware of this equation for compound interest based on nominal interest:

$$F=P{ e }^{ rt }\\ where\quad r=nominal\quad annual\quad interest\\ and\quad t=number\quad of\quad years$$

How would I modify it for effective interest?

Why would the equation for the effective rate be any different than the equation for the nominal rate ?
 
bahamagreen said:
See if this helps...

Difference Between Nominal & Effective Interest Rates

http://www.ehow.com/info_8149388_difference-nominal-effective-interest-rates.html

That's interesting. I was interpreting "effective" in this context to mean "real", which is not at all what it means. Basically the "effective" rate is just the nominal rate plus a very small amount, it has nothing to do with the real rate.
 
ainster31 said:
I am aware of this equation for compound interest based on nominal interest:

$$F=P{ e }^{ rt }\\ where\quad r=nominal\quad annual\quad interest\\ and\quad t=number\quad of\quad years$$

How would I modify it for effective interest?

This equation assumes that there is continuous compounding at the nominal interest rate. The relationship between the nominal interest rate in this equation and the effective interest rate I is found by calculating the principal after 1 year:

[tex]Pe^r=P(1+I)[/tex]
So, [tex]I=e^r-1[/tex]

If we substitute this into your original equation, we obtain:
[tex]F=(1+I)^t[/tex]
More generally, if there are n compounding periods a year, and r is the nominal interest rate,

[tex]F=P(1+\frac{r}{n})^{nt}[/tex]
So, [tex](1+\frac{r}{n})^{n}=(1+I)[/tex]
So,[tex]I=(1+\frac{r}{n})^{n}-1[/tex]
 

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