Final answer:
The simple interest on a $200 deposit at a 2% annual rate over 3 years is $12, calculated using the simple interest formula.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves calculating the simple interest that Rachel will be paid on a $200 deposit at a rate of 2% per year over the course of 3 years. To calculate the interest, we use the simple interest formula:
Interest = Principal × Rate × Time.
In this case, the principal is $200, the rate is 2% or 0.02 when expressed as a decimal, and the time is 3 years.
Using the formula, we get:
Interest = $200 × 0.02 × 3 = $12
Therefore, the total interest Rachel will be paid in the first 3 years is $12.