This document defines key terms related to interest rates, including principal, interest, rate, and amount. It then explains the differences between simple interest and compound interest. Simple interest is calculated only on the original principal amount, while compound interest is calculated on the principal plus previously accumulated interest. The document provides formulas for calculating simple interest as interest=principal×rate×time, and compound interest as amount=principal×(1+rate/100)^time. It includes an example problem demonstrating the calculation of compound interest. Finally, it compares the growth of principal over three years under simple versus compound interest, showing that compound interest results in higher total interest paid.