What is the formula for calculating the present value of a sinking fund?

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What is the formula for calculating the present value of a sinking fund?

The formula for calculating the present value of a sinking fund is as follows:

PV = P * (1 - (1 + r)^(-n)) / r

Where:
PV = Present value of the sinking fund
P = Periodic payment or contribution to the sinking fund
r = Interest rate per period
n = Number of periods

This formula is derived from the concept of the time value of money, which states that the value of money decreases over time due to factors such as inflation and the opportunity cost of investing elsewhere. The present value of a sinking fund represents the current worth of all future contributions made to the fund, discounted at the appropriate interest rate.

To calculate the present value, we multiply the periodic payment or contribution (P) by the present value interest factor of an annuity (PVIFA), which is calculated as (1 - (1 + r)^(-n)) / r. The PVIFA represents the present value of a series of equal periodic payments made over a certain number of periods.

By using this formula, we can determine the present value of a sinking fund, which helps individuals or organizations plan for future financial obligations or investments.