For simple interest, to double the money, the interest earned must equal the principal. SI = P * R * T / 100. P = P * 20 * T / 100. 1 = 20 * T / 100. T = 5 years.
To double a sum at simple interest, the interest earned must equal the principal, meaning P equals (P * R * T) / 100. Cancelling P from both sides leaves 1 equal to (20 * T) / 100. Solving for T gives T equals 5 years.