Math Problem Statement

Samples of simple interest problem solving

Solution

Here are some examples of simple interest problems, along with solutions:


1. Basic Simple Interest Calculation

Problem:
If $1000 is invested at a rate of 5% per year for 3 years, what will the simple interest be?

Solution:
The formula for simple interest is: Simple Interest (SI)=P×R×T100\text{Simple Interest (SI)} = \frac{P \times R \times T}{100} Where:

  • PP = Principal (initial investment)
  • RR = Rate of interest per year
  • TT = Time in years

Plugging in the values: SI=1000×5×3100=150SI = \frac{1000 \times 5 \times 3}{100} = 150

Answer: The simple interest earned is $150.


2. Finding Total Amount After Interest

Problem:
How much will $2000 amount to after 4 years at a simple interest rate of 6% per year?

Solution:
First, find the simple interest: SI=2000×6×4100=480SI = \frac{2000 \times 6 \times 4}{100} = 480

Then, calculate the total amount: Total Amount (A)=P+SI=2000+480=2480\text{Total Amount (A)} = P + SI = 2000 + 480 = 2480

Answer: The total amount after 4 years will be $2480.


3. Finding Principal When Simple Interest is Known

Problem:
An amount earns $250 as simple interest over 5 years at a rate of 5% per year. What was the initial investment (principal)?

Solution:
Using the simple interest formula, rearrange to find PP: P=SI×100R×TP = \frac{SI \times 100}{R \times T}

Plugging in the values: P=250×1005×5=1000P = \frac{250 \times 100}{5 \times 5} = 1000

Answer: The principal (initial investment) was $1000.


4. Finding Interest Rate

Problem:
A principal of $1200 grows to $1440 in 3 years under simple interest. What was the interest rate?

Solution:

  1. Find the simple interest: SI=AP=14401200=240SI = A - P = 1440 - 1200 = 240

  2. Use the simple interest formula to solve for RR: R=SI×100P×T=240×1001200×3=6%R = \frac{SI \times 100}{P \times T} = \frac{240 \times 100}{1200 \times 3} = 6\%

Answer: The interest rate was 6% per year.


5. Finding Time Required to Earn a Specific Interest

Problem:
How many years will it take for a principal of $500 to earn $150 at a simple interest rate of 10% per year?

Solution:
Rearrange the simple interest formula to find TT: T=SI×100P×RT = \frac{SI \times 100}{P \times R}

Plugging in the values: T=150×100500×10=3T = \frac{150 \times 100}{500 \times 10} = 3

Answer: It will take 3 years to earn $150 in interest.


Would you like more details on any specific example or topic? Here are some questions to expand on this information:

  1. How is simple interest different from compound interest?
  2. Can you use simple interest formulas in situations with non-annual compounding periods?
  3. How would the calculations change if interest were paid monthly instead of yearly?
  4. What are the practical applications of simple interest in real-life situations?
  5. How do you calculate the time period if the interest rate is provided in months?

Tip: Always double-check the units (e.g., years, months) when calculating time in interest problems.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Simple Interest
Basic Algebra

Formulas

Simple Interest (SI) = (P * R * T) / 100
Total Amount (A) = P + SI
Principal (P) = (SI * 100) / (R * T)
Rate (R) = (SI * 100) / (P * T)
Time (T) = (SI * 100) / (P * R)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8