Simple Interest – Rate to triple the principal: At what annual simple interest rate will a sum of money become three times the principal in 25 years?
Aptitude
Simple Interest
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: 8%
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Tripling under SI means the interest equals 2P over the period. The linear relation SI = P * r * t lets us directly solve for r.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target amount = 3P
- Time t = 25 years
- Simple interest model
Concept / Approach:If A = 3P, then SI = A - P = 2P. Therefore P * r * t = 2P → r = 2 / t.
Step-by-Step Solution:
r = 2 / 25 = 0.08 = 8% per annumVerification / Alternative check:
Check: A = P * (1 + 0.08 * 25) = P * (1 + 2) = 3PWhy Other Options Are Wrong:
- 5% / 6% / 7.5% / 12%: do not satisfy r = 2 / 25.
Common Pitfalls:
- Interpreting tripling as interest = 3P (it is 2P).
Final Answer:8% per annum.