A sum of money amounts to 3300 in 2 years and Rs. 3600 in 5 years. What is the…

Step-by-Step Solution

To find the principal amount, we focus on the simple interest (S.I.) accrued over the given time periods.

1. Calculate the simple interest over the time difference:

   • The amount after 5 years is Rs. 3600.

   • The amount after 2 years is Rs. 3300.

   • The difference in amounts (which represents the interest earned over 3 years) is: 3600 - 3300 = Rs. 300.

2. Determine the interest for one year:

   • Simple interest is constant every year.

   • Interest for 3 years = Rs. 300.

   • Interest for 1 year = 300 / 3 = Rs. 100.

3. Calculate the principal:

   • We know the amount after 2 years includes the principal plus 2 years of interest.

   • Interest for 2 years = 100 * 2 = Rs. 200.

   • Principal = Amount after 2 years - Interest for 2 years

   • Principal = 3300 - 200 = Rs. 3100.