The formula for simple interest is I = P*R*T where I = interest, P = Principal (original amount), R is the rate as a decimal, and T is time in years. So I = 1500*(.05)*6 = 1500*(0.30) = $450. The total amount you have after 6 years is the amount you started with ($1500) plus the interest ($450) which is $1950. The formula for yearly compounding is A = P(1 + r)t where A = Accumulated or final amount P = Principal ($1500) r = interest rate as a decimal (0.05)t = time (6 years) A = 1500*(1 + 0.05)6 = 1500*(1.05)6 = $2010.14
