An investment earning simple interest at a rate of 1.10% per annum for a term of 5 years earned $82.50 in interest. What was the principal?

I got 87.04

To find the principal, we can use the formula for simple interest:

Simple Interest = Principal x Rate x Time

Given:
Simple Interest = $82.50
Rate = 1.10% = 1.10/100 = 0.011 (in decimal form)
Time = 5 years

Let's substitute the given values into the formula and solve for the principal:

$82.50 = Principal x 0.011 x 5

Next, we simplify the equation:

$82.50 = Principal x 0.055

Now, divide both sides of the equation by 0.055 to isolate the principal:

Principal = $82.50 ÷ 0.055

Calculating the equation:

Principal ≈ $1,500

Therefore, the principal was approximately $1,500.