Final answer:
To find the interest rate, we divide the interest earned by the principal and time. In this case, the interest rate is 12%.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the interest rate, we can rearrange the formula i = prt to solve for r. Since Sean made $4,800 in interest by placing $40,000 in a savings account for 1 year, we have:
4800 = 40000 * r * 1
Dividing both sides of the equation by 40000 gives:
r = 4800 / 40000
Calculating the division, we get:
r = 0.12
To express this as a percentage, we multiply by 100:
r = 0.12 * 100 = 12%
Therefore, the interest rate is 12%.