The worked question on this page is original educational practice. It is not represented as a question from an official previous-year examination paper.
01 / UNDERSTANDING
Review the question
Create an original flat-versus-reducing problem where principal changes at an explicitly stated point. Equal numeric rates should produce different totals under the stated different bases. An original checkpoint is: What is total interest under the stated reducing-balance method? Supported answer: 150 units. Explain the decisive fact, then alter one condition and solve again. This is an original practice method, not a claim that the question appeared in an official past paper.
02 / UNDERSTANDING
The concept in context
Two numerically equal rates on different bases are not automatically equivalent; actual comparisons require full schedules and disclosures. A useful study check is to write each period’s opening principal, then compare complete schedules rather than rate labels. Explain why the method fits the stated facts before applying it to a changed situation.
03 / UNDERSTANDING
A worked learning case
A fictional two-period loan begins at 1,000 and repays 500 principal after the first period. At 10% per period, flat interest on the original principal is 100 in each period, totalling 200. Under the stated reducing-balance method, interest is 100 then 50, totalling 150. Both examples use the same invented rate but different bases.
ORIGINAL EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE
Try it before you check.
What is total interest under the stated reducing-balance method?
Show the answer and reasoning
150 units.
First-period interest is 10% of 1,000, or 100. After the specified principal repayment, the second-period base is 500, producing 50 interest. The sum is 150. Calculating 100 again would use the original principal and answer the flat-rate illustration instead; equal quoted numbers do not erase the different calculation bases.
Two traps to watch for.
- Comparing rate numbers without identifying their interest bases.
- Continuing to charge the original balance in a reducing-balance example.
YOUR TOPIC-SPECIFIC LEARNING MAP
Learn from the attempt
Write each period’s opening principal.
Apply the stated method to its proper base.
Compare complete schedules rather than rate labels.
Explain the idea, apply it to a new situation, then check what changed in your reasoning.
BANKERS TUTORIAL · SOURCE NOTES
Keep the source alongside your notes.
Official links provide subject context and authoritative reference material. This guide’s explanation, scenario and question are original Bankers Tutorial learning content.
- www.rbi.org.in https://www.rbi.org.in/commonman/images/FAME%20Booklet%20second%20edition/FAME%20Booklet%20English/FAME30072020.pdf
- www.rbi.org.in https://www.rbi.org.in/commonperson/english/Scripts/FAQs.aspx
For Banking foundations preparation, check the current official notice before relying on changing dates, rules or examination requirements.
