+ SOLUTION (Investment Strategies - first order DDS):

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The DDS will be:


a(n+1) = (1+r) a(n) + 100, a(0) = 100.

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The solution for this DDS is:


a(n) = (100 r + 100)/r (1 + r)^n - 100/r


This solution can be found in any text on discrete dynamical systems. It can be built from a conjectured form: a(n) = c (1+r)^n + b, where c and be are constants to be determined from the nohomogeneous term 100 and the given initial condition a(0) = 100.

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After 12 years at interest rate r we shall have t(r) dollars in our account where:


t(r) = (100 r + 100)/r (1 + r)^12 - 100/r - 9000 r^2,


the last term being the brokerage fee for obtaining interest rate r.

Input := 


t[r_] = (100 r + 100)/r (1 + r)^12 - 

					100/r - 90000 r^2;

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We plot this amount as a function of r.

Input := 


Plot[t[r],{r,.00001,.2}]

Output =


-Graphics-

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We seek the lowest interest rate which will give a return of $1,400 after 12 years.

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Thus, if we go for the interest rate of 1.44% we shall be able to attain $1,400 after 12 years with the penalty and interest in effect. We note that we could obtain $1,400 after 12 years with another interest rate - higher though. This is due to the fact that while we earn more interest we shall have to pay a higher brokerage fee.

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We determine the best r to maximize t(r) by determining where the derivative of the t(r) function is 0, but students could zoom in on the function t(r).

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This is the amount we will receive after 12 years.

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And this is our fee.

Input := 


fee = 90000 r^2/.sol[[1]]

Output =


513.607

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By the way, this amount is what we would receive from a straight annual interest of r = 0.03128 or 3.128% if there were no brokerage fee.