Simple Interest – Find the rate from total interest paid: Ashok borrowed Rs 15,000 for 3 years at simple interest. If the total interest paid is Rs 2,700, find the annual rate of interest (percent per annum).

Introduction / Context:
Total interest over a period with known principal and time under SI directly yields the annual rate by rearranging SI = P * r * t.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• P = Rs 15000
• t = 3 years
• SI total = Rs 2700

Concept / Approach:
r = SI / (P * t), expressed in percent by multiplying by 100 if needed. Here options are numeric rate values already in percent units.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 18 / 9 / 7.2 / 5.4: do not match computed r.

Common Pitfalls:

• Forgetting to divide by both P and t.

Final Answer:
6.