What calculus function can be used to find present value of uneven cash flows instead of reverting back to individual present values for each payment?

The present value of uneven cash flows can be effectively calculated using the combination of the cash flow function and shifting the NPV function, which allows for the consideration of multiple cash flows received at different intervals. This approach streamlines the process when dealing with cash flows that do not occur at regular intervals or do not have the same amount.

By using the cash flow function to input the individual cash flow amounts for each period and then applying the NPV function, you can efficiently compute the net present value of these uneven cash flows as a whole. This method avoids the need to calculate the present value for each payment individually, simplifying the task and making it easier to analyze the overall value of the cash inflows over time.

In contrast, the other options do not provide the same capability. The NPV function alone is primarily for calculating the present value of a series of cash flows with a fixed rate, while the IRR function is used to determine the internal rate of return on an investment, which does not directly yield present value. The PMT function is designed for scenarios involving fixed payment amounts or structured repayments, not for the valuation of uneven cash flows. Thus, the method combining cash flows with the NPV function is the most effective approach for calculating the present