The I.C. James Co. invested $10,000 six years ago at 5% simple interest. The I.M. Smart Co. invested $10,000 six years ago at 5% interest which is compounded annually. Both the I.C. James Co. and the I.M. Smart Co. will earn $500 interest in the first year.

Simple Interest

Interest computed solely on the initial sum of money, or on the remaining balance of the principal that is not yet paid off.

Compounded Annually

Refers to the process where interest is calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest of previous periods of a deposit or loan.

Interest

The charge for borrowing money, typically expressed as an annual percentage rate, or the income earned from lending funds.