Question : How much loan did Nancy borrow 5 years ago at a rate of simple interest 4% per annum, if he paid $7380 to clear it?
Correct Answer $6150
Solution & Explanation
Solution
Given,
Amount (A) = $7380
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
$7380 = P (1 + 4% × 5)
⇒ $7380 = P (1 + 4/100 × 5)
⇒ $7380 = P (1 + 4 × 5/100)
⇒ $7380 = P (1 + 20/100)
⇒ $7380 = P (100 + 20/100)
⇒ $7380 = P × 120/100
⇒ P × 120/100 = $7380
⇒ P = 7380/120/100
⇒ P = 7380 × 100/120
⇒ P = 7380 × 100/120
⇒ P = 738000/120
⇒ P = $6150
Thus, the sum borrowed (P) = $6150 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 7380, then the Principal = 100/120 × 7380
= 100 × 7380/120
= 738000/120
= 6150
Thus, Principal = $6150
Thus, the sum borrowed = $6150 Answer
Similar Questions
(2) Find the amount to be paid if Charles borrowed a sum of $5900 at 7% simple interest for 7 years.
(4) Find the amount to be paid if Christopher borrowed a sum of $6000 at 2% simple interest for 7 years.