# Thread: Determine credit card interest?

1. ## Determine credit card interest?

How to determine credit card interest? I’m not sure how to use the example provided in my math book. It just does not seem to work for me.

Book example:

Previous Balance: $150.00 Minimum payment:$10.00
Interest per-annum: 18.6% (compounded daily)

$\displaystyle 140 * (1 + \frac {0.186}{365}) (365 * \frac {1}{12})$

= 142.19

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First off, if I enter that in my calculator I receive a syntax error; with or without the (365 x 1/12)

Second, if I use my own formula I receive a different answer:

1. 0.186 ÷ 12 = 0.0155 (Monthly Rate)
2. 0.0155 x 140 = 2.17 (different then the 2.19 shown in the example)

Please clarify!

2. ## Credit card interest

Hello Lightheaded
Originally Posted by Lightheaded
How to determine credit card interest? I’m not sure how to use the example provided in my math book. It just does not seem to work for me.

Book example:

Previous Balance: $150.00 Minimum payment:$10.00
Interest per-annum: 18.6% (compounded daily)

$\displaystyle 140 * (1 + \frac {0.186}{365}) (365 * \frac {1}{12})$

= 142.19

----------------

First off, if I enter that in my calculator I receive a syntax error; with or without the (365 x 1/12)

Second, if I use my own formula I receive a different answer:

1. 0.186 ÷ 12 = 0.0155 (Monthly Rate)
2. 0.0155 x 140 = 2.17 (different then the 2.19 shown in the example)

Please clarify!
The formula that the book gives (or, at least, should give) is:

$\displaystyle 140\times\left(1 + \frac {0.186}{365}\right)^{ \frac {365}{12}}$

which does give the answer 142.19.

Let me explain (1) why this formula is correct; (2) why your method is incorrect.

(1) Assuming there are 365 days in a year, the daily percent interest rate is $\displaystyle 18.6 \div 365= \frac{0.186}{365}$ as a decimal. So to find the total amount owing after one day, we multiply the original amount owing by $\displaystyle 1 + \frac{0.186}{365}$. So if the original amount is $140, then after one day the amount owing is$\displaystyle 140 \times \left(1 + \frac {0.186}{365}\right)$. Each day that passes, the amount owing is$\displaystyle 1 + \frac{0.186}{365}$times what it was the day before. So after 2 days the amount owing is:$\displaystyle 140 \times \left(1 + \frac {0.186}{365}\right) \times \left(1 + \frac {0.186}{365}\right) = 140 \times \left(1 + \frac {0.186}{365}\right)^2$After$\displaystyle n$days the amount owing will be$\displaystyle 140 \times \left(1 + \frac {0.186}{365}\right)^n$So in one calendar month (=$\displaystyle \frac{365}{12}$days), the amount owing is:$\displaystyle 140 \times \left(1 + \frac {0.186}{365}\right)^{\frac{365}{12}}=142.19$(2) The interest is compounded daily. So you need to calculate the amount owing at the end of each day, as I have shown you above. That means that in day 2, you'll pay a little bit more interest than you did in day 1: the interest on the interest you paid in day 1. And so on for day 3, 4 ... This extra bit each day adds up to a couple of pence by the end of the month. Do you understand this now? Grandad 3. ## re: Credit card interest Hi Grandad - Thank you for your reply. Your formula is correct, or rather better shown (smile). I was unsure on how to format the numbers with code, but slowly learning, by looking at your examples. Your explanation is great, very clear and easy to follow – thank you! Unfortunately, I’m having trouble entering the data into the calculator, and getting results. 140 x (1+0.186/365)^2 or any similar format I get a Syntax Error message If I use the calculator in Microsoft Math, I receive the following: Input: 140 (1+0.186/365)^2 Output: 233381425543/1665312500 Decimal: 140.142721286846 So I’m sure I understand the formula you presented, but I cannot for the life of me, enter the formula into the calculator and get a result I understand. I’m using a Texas Instrument TI-34 II Any additional help would be appreciated. Cheers, 4. ## Calculator Hello Lightheaded- While I'm working on the computer I use the Windows Calculator - in Scientific view. To get the answer to a formula like that, I use the button labelled x^y. (I expect you have a similar one on your TI calculator as well.) So y is the index, which = 365/12. Work this out and store the result in memory. x is the value you get for$\displaystyle \left(1+ \frac{0.186}{365}\right)\$. When you've got this value, press the x^y button, and then memory recall, and =, and you have your result. Multiply by 140 to find the final answer.

OK?

Grandad

5. Thank you very much, you've been very helpful. I appreciate your time.

Cheers. Until I have another question. (smiles)

6. Grandad: I finally figured out why I was having difficulties with the formula input on the calculator. Rather than use the division key I was using the forward slash “/”, as I would for a fraction. This was causing the syntax error. I was under the impression that the slash would act the same as division.

Again, thanks for your help and guidance!

Cheers,