Simple Interest – Same time, different multipliers: In a certain time, a principal becomes 4 times at 5% per annum simple interest. In the same duration, at what simple interest rate will the principal become 8 times?
Aptitude
Simple Interest
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: 11 2/3 %
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Under simple interest, amount = P * (1 + r * t). Holding time constant, different target multiples give linear equations in r.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- At 5% per year, 1 + 0.05t = 4 → t = 60 years
- Same t, find r where 1 + r*60 = 8
Concept / Approach:Compute t from the first condition; use it in the second to solve for r.
Step-by-Step Solution:1 + 0.05t = 4 → 0.05t = 3 → t = 601 + r*60 = 8 → r = 7/60 = 0.116666… = 11 2/3 %
Verification / Alternative check:Plug back: 1 + 0.116666… * 60 = 1 + 7 = 8 (correct).
Why Other Options Are Wrong:11 3/5 %, 12 2/3 %, 12 3/5 % correspond to 0.116, 0.126…, 0.126… which do not yield 8P.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing 4x with 400% interest (it is 300% interest over principal) and mishandling the +1 term.
Final Answer:11 2/3 %