Final answer:
The interest rate for a principal of $3000 invested over 3 years that earned $450 in interest is calculated using the simple interest formula. By rearranging the formula, the interest rate is found to be 5%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to calculate the interest rate for a principal of $3000 that was invested in a savings account for 3 years, which generated $450 in interest. To find the interest rate, we can use the simple interest formula:
I = PRT
Where:
- I is the interest earned,
- P is the principal amount,
- R is the interest rate, and
- T is the time in years.
Rearranging the formula to solve for R (interest rate), we get:
R = I / (PT)
Now, let's plug in the values we know from the question:
R = $450 / ($3000 × 3)
R = $450 / $9000
R = 0.05 or 5%
So, the interest rate was 5%.