Question : How much loan did Elizabeth borrow 5 years ago at a rate of simple interest 4% per annum, if he paid $6540 to clear it?
Correct Answer $5450
Solution & Explanation
Solution
Given,
Amount (A) = $6540
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
$6540 = P (1 + 4% × 5)
⇒ $6540 = P (1 + 4/100 × 5)
⇒ $6540 = P (1 + 4 × 5/100)
⇒ $6540 = P (1 + 20/100)
⇒ $6540 = P (100 + 20/100)
⇒ $6540 = P × 120/100
⇒ P × 120/100 = $6540
⇒ P = 6540/120/100
⇒ P = 6540 × 100/120
⇒ P = 6540 × 100/120
⇒ P = 654000/120
⇒ P = $5450
Thus, the sum borrowed (P) = $5450 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 6540, then the Principal = 100/120 × 6540
= 100 × 6540/120
= 654000/120
= 5450
Thus, Principal = $5450
Thus, the sum borrowed = $5450 Answer
Similar Questions
(1) What amount does Robert have to pay after 5 years if he takes a loan of $3100 at 3% simple interest?
(3) What amount does Linda have to pay after 5 years if he takes a loan of $3350 at 3% simple interest?
(4) What amount does David have to pay after 6 years if he takes a loan of $3400 at 4% simple interest?
(8) Find the amount to be paid if Patricia borrowed a sum of $5150 at 10% simple interest for 7 years.
(9) Calculate the amount due if James borrowed a sum of $3000 at 7% simple interest for 4 years.