Chapter 2: Problem 5
Use the formula to solve for the given variable. Solve \(i=\) Prt for \(r\), given that P= 600 dollars, t=2 \(\frac{1}{2}\) years, and i= 90 dollars. Express \(r\) as a percent.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The interest rate is 6%.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Formula
We are given the formula for simple interest: \( i = Prt \), where \( i \) is the interest, \( P \) is the principal amount, \( r \) is the rate of interest as a decimal, and \( t \) is the time in years.
02
Substitute Known Values
Substitute the known values into the formula: \( i = 90 \) dollars, \( P = 600 \) dollars, and \( t = 2.5 \) years. The equation becomes \( 90 = 600 \times r \times 2.5 \).
03
Solve for \( r \)
To isolate \( r \), rearrange the equation: \( r = \frac{90}{600 \times 2.5} \). Calculate the expression by first finding \( 600 \times 2.5 = 1500 \), then \( r = \frac{90}{1500} \).
04
Simplify the Expression
Simplify \( \frac{90}{1500} \). The greatest common divisor of 90 and 1500 is 30, so \( r = \frac{90 \div 30}{1500 \div 30} = \frac{3}{50} = 0.06 \).
05
Convert the Result to a Percentage
Convert \( r \) from a decimal to a percentage by multiplying by 100. Therefore, \( r = 0.06 \times 100 = 6\% \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Algebra
Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with symbols and the rules for manipulating those symbols. In this context, we're using algebra to manipulate and solve a formula for a specific variable. The formula we are working with is for simple interest:
- \(i = Prt\)
- \(i\) is the interest earned,
- \(P\) is the principal amount,
- \(r\) is the rate of interest,
- \(t\) is the time period in years.
Solving Equations
Solving equations is a fundamental skill in mathematics, particularly in algebra. When faced with a formula that you need to rearrange, like \(i = Prt\), the goal is to isolate the variable you want to solve. Here's how it's done:
- Start by substituting the known values into the equation. So, in our example, \(i = 90\), \(P = 600\), and \(t = 2.5\), which gives us the equation:\[ 90 = 600 \times r \times 2.5 \]
- Next, you want to solve for \(r\). Divide both sides of the equation by \(600 \times 2.5\) to isolate \(r\):\[ r = \frac{90}{600 \times 2.5} \]
- By calculating \(600 \times 2.5\), you get \(1500\). Therefore, \[ r = \frac{90}{1500} \]
- Lastly, simplify the fraction by dividing the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 30:\[ r = \frac{3}{50} = 0.06 \]
Interest Rate Conversion
The conversion of the rate from a decimal to a percentage is the final step in solving for the simple interest rate. Initially, the calculated interest rate was expressed as a decimal number 0.06. It’s crucial to convert this into a percentage for clear communication:
- Multiply the decimal number by 100.
- So, for the equation:\[ r = 0.06 \]multiplied by 100 gives:
- \( r = 6\% \).