The interest rate $r$ required to increase investment $p$ to amount $a$ in $t$ years is found using the formula $r=\left(\frac{a}{p}\right)^{\frac{1}{t}}-1$.



Find the interest rate $r$ when $p=800$, $a=2700$, and $t=3$.


A0.5%
B50%
C1.5%
D150%

Verified Answer :

  • Substitute the values \(p=800\), \(a=2700\), and \(t=3\) into the given formula \(r = (\frac{a}{p})^{\frac{1}{t}} - 1\).
  • Simplify the ratio to \(\frac{2700}{800} = 3.375\) and compute the cube root to get \(1.5\).
  • Subtract 1 to find the decimal interest rate \(r = 0.5\).
  • Convert the decimal to a percentage by multiplying by 100, which yields \(\boxed{50\%}\).

Explanation

  1. Analysis of the Problem Data

To determine the interest rate \(r\), we use the provided formula \(r = \left(\frac{a}{p}\right)^{\frac{1}{t}} - 1\). We are given the following values:

  • Principal investment \(p = 800\)
  • Final amount \(a = 2700\)
  • Time period \(t = 3\) years

Our objective is to calculate the value of \(r\) and identify its percentage equivalent.

  1. Calculation of the Interest Rate

Substitute the given values into the formula:
\[r = \left(\frac{2700}{800}\right)^{\frac{1}{3}} - 1\]
First, simplify the fraction inside the parentheses:
\[\frac{2700}{800} = \frac{27}{8} = 3.375\]
Now, compute the cube root of \(3.375\):
\[(3.375)^{\frac{1}{3}} = 1.5\]
Subtract 1 from the result to find \(r\):
\[r = 1.5 - 1 = 0.5\]

  1. Conclusion

The decimal value calculated for the interest rate is \(r = 0.5\). To express this as a percentage, multiply by 100:
\[0.5 \times 100 = 50\%\]
Comparing this result to the given options:

  • \(0.5\%\)
  • \(50\%\)
  • \(1.5\%\)
  • \(150\%\)

The calculated interest rate is \(50\%\). The final answer is \(\boxed{50\%}\).

Examples

In finance, calculating interest rates is essential for understanding how an investment grows over time. For example, if you deposit a certain amount in a high-yield savings account or invest in a project, the formula \(r = (\frac{a}{p})^{\frac{1}{t}} - 1\) allows you to determine the annual growth rate (CAGR). This helps investors compare different financial opportunities and make informed decisions about where to allocate their capital based on expected returns.