Chapter 9: Problem 13
The monthly payments, \(P\) dollars, on a mortgage in which \(A\) dollars were borrowed at an annual interest rate of \(r \%\) for \(t\) years is given by \(P=f(A, r, t)\). Is \(f\) an increasing or decreasing function of \(A\) ? Of \(r\) ? Of \(t\) ?
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( f \) is increasing in \( A \) and \( r \), but decreasing in \( t \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Mortgage Formula
The monthly payment, \( P \), on a mortgage is determined by the formula \( P = f(A, r, t) \). This function depends on three variables: the amount borrowed (\( A \)), the annual interest rate (\( r \)), and the number of years (\( t \)) over which the loan is to be repaid.
02
Analyzing \( P \) as a Function of \( A \)
When the amount borrowed \( A \) increases, the total amount to be repaid also increases. Since the monthly payment \( P \) is directly related to \( A \), \( P \) is an increasing function of \( A \). This means as \( A \) increases, \( P \) also increases.
03
Analyzing \( P \) as a Function of \( r \)
As the interest rate \( r \) increases, the cost of borrowing the same amount \( A \) increases. Hence, the monthly payment \( P \) will also increase. Therefore, \( P \) is an increasing function of \( r \).
04
Analyzing \( P \) as a Function of \( t \)
When the loan term \( t \) increases, the amount borrowed is spread out over a longer period, generally resulting in smaller monthly payments. However, the interest paid over a longer term increases. From the borrower’s perspective, \( P \) generally decreases as \( t \) increases, making \( P \) a decreasing function of \( t \) for fixed \( A \) and \( r \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Mortgage Payment Formula
The mortgage payment formula is a crucial tool for anyone entering the world of home loans and financing. It serves to calculate the monthly payment, denoted by \( P \), required to pay off a mortgage. This payment depends on several factors, namely the amount borrowed (\( A \)), the annual interest rate (\( r \)), and the loan term (\( t \)), which is the duration over which the loan is to be repaid. The general form of this formula can be written as \( P = f(A, r, t) \).
When applying this formula, it's important to keep these variables in mind:
When applying this formula, it's important to keep these variables in mind:
- Amount Borrowed (\( A \)): This is the principal amount of the loan. The larger \( A \) is, the higher the monthly payment will generally be.
- Interest Rate (\( r \)): Expressed as a percentage, this rate determines how much additional money you'll pay back on top of the principal.
- Loan Term (\( t \)): Measured in years, it's the period over which you agree to repay the loan.
Increasing and Decreasing Functions
In calculus, determining whether a function is increasing or decreasing is vital to understanding how the variables affect outcomes. For the mortgage payment function \( P = f(A, r, t) \), we must understand how changes in \( A \), \( r \), and \( t \) impact \( P \).
- Function of \( A \): P is an increasing function of \( A \). This means that as more money is borrowed, the monthly payment increases. This correlation is direct because the principal amount is being amortized over the loan term.
- Function of \( r \): Similarly, \( P \) is an increasing function of \( r \). Higher interest rates increase the cost of borrowing and, consequently, the monthly payment.
- Function of \( t \): In contrast, \( P \) is a decreasing function of \( t \). Extending the repayment period generally lowers monthly payments, as they are spread out over a longer time. However, this can lead to more total interest paid over time.
Interest Rate Impact
Interest rates play a significant role in calculating mortgage payments. They determine how much you pay on top of your loan's principal. Here's why interest rates are crucial:
- Cost of Borrowing: Higher rates mean higher payments because the lender charges more for providing the loan. This effect makes \( P \) an increasing function of \( r \).
- Variable Rates: Be aware that some mortgages have variable rates, which can change. This potential variation can lead to increased costs over time.
- Long-Term Impact: Even small changes in interest rates can have a significant impact due to the compounding effect over the loan term.
Loan Term
The loan term is the period over which the mortgage is repaid. It has a direct impact on the size of the monthly payment and the total interest paid.
- Longer Loan Terms: These often come with lower monthly payments because the principal is spread over more months. However, they usually result in higher total interest payments over the life of the loan.
- Shorter Loan Terms: These generally lead to higher monthly payments but less interest paid in total. If you can afford higher payments, this option can save money in the long run.