While learning about the theory of simple interest, we will also study how to calculate simple interest. Running through the formula for simple interest you will get to know more about it. Likewise, when we raise a sum of money from any financial institution (bank, NBFC’s, post offices, agency) or other source (moneylender), we need to pay them back the money after a specified time period along with an interest amount in lieu of utilizing the money borrowed. The additional money we are required to pay in addition to the money borrowed is the simple interest.
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Solving Simple Interest Problems
In Simple interest, the interest is computed on the same sum of money in each time period, and, hence, the interest to be paid or received in each time period is the same. i.e., if the interest on a sum borrowed for a specified period is calculated uniformly, then it is called simple interest.
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Simple Interest Notations
Formula to Find Simple Interest
A standard formula to find simple interest in math is as below;-
S.I = (P × R × T)/100
Note that: Formula for calculating amount is A = P + I
Interest calculated on the original principal throughout the holding period
Simple Interest = \[\frac{Principal \; \times \; Time \; \times \; Rate \; of \; interest}{100}\] = \[\frac{PTR}{100}\]
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Components for Calculating Simple Interest
Simple Interest is calculated based on the money borrowed and the time period availed to use that facility until the return. That said,
The sum borrowed from the lender for a given time is called the principal
Additional money payable is called the simple interest
Interest is the extra money that the borrower pays for using the lender’s money
It is represented as rate percent per annum (p.a.) i.e., 12% per month means, the interest on Rs.20000 for 1 year is Rs2400
Frame of time for which money is borrowed is called the time period
The total sum of money paid back after the specified time is called the amount
Key to Calculate Simple Interest Using Time Period
While computing the time period in order to calculate simple interest we need to take into account the following:
We do not count the day on which the money is borrowed but we count the day for which the money is returned.
When the sum is borrowed in terms of years, we always convert the number of days into a year and thus divide the number of days by 365, whether it is a leap year or a standard year.
Now that we already know what simple interest is and how we can calculate it using the simple interest formula in maths, let’s get going with some practice exercises.
Solved Examples for You
Take a look at some of the simple interest examples below
Example 1:
Mark borrowed a sum of Rs 20,000 from a private money lender Tony, at a rate of interest 15% per annum for 3 years. Calculate the simple interest on this sum and the amount to be paid at the end of 3 years.
Solution1:
On Rs 200, interest charged for 1 year will beRs.30
15/100×20000 = Rs.3000
So, on Rs 20,000, interest charged for 3 years will be = 3000×3=Rs.9000
Thus, Amount to be paid at the end of 3 years = Principal + Interest
That is
20,000 + 9,000 = 29000
Hence,
A= 29000 (Total sum that Mark is liable to pay Rs.29000 to Tony at the end of 3years)
And S.I for 3years = Rs.9000 (interest amount of 3years)
Example 2:
Alex took a car loan of Rs. 50000 from a private bank on 28 February 2020 at the rate of 8% p.a. and paid back the same on 16th July 2020. Find the total amount paid by Alex?
Solution2:
P = $50,000
R = 8 % p.a.
T = 139/365
Given that,
Time = February + March + April + May + June + July
= 1day + 31 days + 30 days + 31 days + 30 days + 16 days
= 139 days
Now that, S.I. = (P × R × T)/100
= (50000 × 8 × 139)/(100 × 365)
= Rs.1523.30
Therefore, the amount paid by Alex = Rs (50,000 + 1523.30) = Rs.51,523.30
Note: February 2020 is a leap year, thus 29days and since we do not count the day on which money is borrowed, hence 1 day in Feb will be counted).
Example 3:
At what percent will Rs. 2500 amount to Rs. 6000 in 5 years? Calculate the rate of interest.
Solution3:
P = Rs.2500
R = ?
T= 5 years
A = Rs.6000
S.I. = A - P
=Rs (6000-2500)
= Rs3500
Using the formula for simple interest:
S.I. = (P × R × T)/100
3500 = (2500 × R × 5)/100
Therefore, R = (3500 × 100)/ (5 × 2500) = 28%
FAQs on Simple Interest Formula
1. What Does an Interest in Mathematics Signify?
Interest typically denotes a change in principal or the primary sum of money one has. That said, if you hold a savings account, the interest is bound to increase your bank account balance based upon the interest rate received from the bank. On the other hand, if you raised a loan, the interest is bound to increase the amount you owe based upon the rate of interest charged by the bank.
2. What is a Compound Interest? How Does it Differ from Simple Interest?
A key difference between compound Interest and simple interest lies in the way their respective interest is calculated. While a Compound interest is computed on the principal amount plus the interest for the previous time period. The principal amount is increased with every time period, since the interest payable for the previous period is added to the principal of the following period. This also suggests that interest is not only gained on the principal, but also on the interest of the previous time periods. Thus, it also brings to the declaration that the compound interest calculated will always be more than the simple interest on the same amount of money borrowed/lent.
3. Can We Compound Interest Rates Only Annually?
No, we can have interest rates compounded half yearly or quarterly as well. The time after which the interest is supplemented each time to create a new principal is the conversion period. For example, when the interest is compounded half yearly, there will be two conversion periods in a year each after 6 months and for quarterly there will be 4 conversion periods in a year each after 3 months.
