Question : How much loan did Robert borrow 5 years ago at a rate of simple interest 4% per annum, if he paid $6120 to clear it?
Correct Answer $5100
Solution & Explanation
Solution
Given,
Amount (A) = $6120
Rate of Simple Interest (R) = 4%
Time (T) = 5 years
Thus, Principal (P) = ?
Method (1) Using Formula
Calculation of the Principal using forumula when Amount, Time and Rate of Simple Interest are given
Formula to find the Principal (P)
Amount (A) = Principal (P) + Principal (P) × Rate (R) × Time (T)
⇒ Amount (A) = Principal (P) [1 + Rate (R) × Time (T)]
⇒ A = P (1 + RT)
Using the formula to find the Amount (A), the fourth can be calculated if any three of A, P, R, and T are given
In the given question, we need to find the Principal (P)
Therefore, by substituting, Amount, Rate, and Time, in the formula A = P (1 + RT) we get
$6120 = P (1 + 4% × 5)
⇒ $6120 = P (1 + 4/100 × 5)
⇒ $6120 = P (1 + 4 × 5/100)
⇒ $6120 = P (1 + 20/100)
⇒ $6120 = P (100 + 20/100)
⇒ $6120 = P × 120/100
⇒ P × 120/100 = $6120
⇒ P = 6120/120/100
⇒ P = 6120 × 100/120
⇒ P = 6120 × 100/120
⇒ P = 612000/120
⇒ P = $5100
Thus, the sum borrowed (P) = $5100 Answer
Method (1) Using Unitary Method
Calculation of the Principal using unitary method when Amount, Time and Rate of Simple Interest are given
Calculation of the Simple Interest
Let, the principal = 100
Here, since rate of simple interest = 4% per annum
Thus, Interest = 4% of principal
⇒ Interest = 4% of 100 = 4
Thus, Simple Interest for 1 year = 4
Calculation of the Amount
Since, in the question, time = 5 years
So, we need to calculate the simple interest for the given time period, which is 5 years
Thus, Simple Interest for 5 years = 5 × Simple Interest for 1 year
= 5 × 4 = 20
Thus, simple interest for 5 years = 20
Thus, Amount (A) = Principal + Interest
⇒ Amount = 100 + 20 = 120
Calculation of the Principal
Now,
∵ If the Amount is 120, then the Principal = 100
∴ If the Amount is 1, then the Principal = 100/120
∴ If the Amount is 6120, then the Principal = 100/120 × 6120
= 100 × 6120/120
= 612000/120
= 5100
Thus, Principal = $5100
Thus, the sum borrowed = $5100 Answer
Similar Questions
(2) Calculate the amount due if William borrowed a sum of $3500 at 8% simple interest for 3 years.
(5) Calculate the amount due if Patricia borrowed a sum of $3150 at 7% simple interest for 3 years.
(6) What amount will be due after 2 years if Paul borrowed a sum of $3850 at a 8% simple interest?
(9) Find the amount to be paid if David borrowed a sum of $5400 at 10% simple interest for 8 years.
(10) Calculate the amount due if Richard borrowed a sum of $3600 at 2% simple interest for 3 years.