Simple Interest — Three parts with equal interest earnings: Rs 1440 is lent in three parts so that the interest on the first at 2% for 3 years, the second at 3% for 4 years, and the third at 4% for 5 years are equal. What is the difference between the largest and smallest parts?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: ₹ 560

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Equal SI on different parts over different time–rate products implies those parts are inversely proportional to the respective (rate * time) values. With the total known, we apportion by the reciprocal weights and compare extremes.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Part1: r * t = 0.02 * 3 = 0.06
  • Part2: r * t = 0.03 * 4 = 0.12
  • Part3: r * t = 0.04 * 5 = 0.20
  • Sum of parts = Rs 1440
  • All three interests equal


Concept / Approach:
If I1 = I2 = I3, then P1 * 0.06 = P2 * 0.12 = P3 * 0.20 = k. Hence P1 : P2 : P3 = 1/0.06 : 1/0.12 : 1/0.20 = 16.666... : 8.333... : 5 = 50 : 25 : 15 upon scaling.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Total ratio units = 50 + 25 + 15 = 90.Each unit = 1440 / 90 = 16.P1 = 50 * 16 = 800; P2 = 25 * 16 = 400; P3 = 15 * 16 = 240.Difference (largest − smallest) = 800 − 240 = 560.


Verification / Alternative check:

Check equal interests: 0.06*800 = 48; 0.12*400 = 48; 0.20*240 = 48.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Other numeric differences do not match the proportional allocation.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Proportioning directly with r or t alone instead of r * t product.


Final Answer:
₹ 560.

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