01 If the deflator rises by 5 percent per year for three consecutive years what is the approximate total increase?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. 15.8 percent
Explanation: Successive annual increases compound because each 5% rise is calculated on the previous year’s higher deflator. The total growth factor is \((1.05)^3 = 1.157625\). Therefore, the cumulative increase is \(1.157625 − 1 = 0.157625\), or approximately 15.8%. Option B is correct. Adding 5% + 5% + 5% gives 15%, but that ignores the additional increase earned on earlier increases.