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5.2.1 EFFECTIVE RATE OF INTEREST


Instructions: Use the following tutorial to help introduce or reinforce the concept of Effective Rate. Read through the introduction, then study and familiarize yourself with the definitions of terms. Next, use the incremental calculator to study each step of the process of determining Effective Rate. Finally, use the calculator for examples to quiz yourself.
The effective rate of interest is the simple interest rate that produces the same accumulated amount in one year as the nominal rate compounded m times a year.
The following is the formula for comparing interest rates:
reff = (1 + r/m)m - 1

Note: The Truth in Lending Act passed by Congress in 1968 requires that the effective rate of interest be disclosed in all contracts involving interest charges.
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