Explanation:

To find the compound interest rate, use the formula:

- A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)

Where:

- A is the total amount after interest.

- P is the principal amount (10,000).

- r is the annual interest rate.

- n is the number of times the interest is compounded per year.

- t is the time the money is invested or borrowed for, in years.

For this problem:

- A = 10,000 + 609 = 10,609

- P = 10,000

- t = 2 years

- n = 1 (annually)

Rewriting the formula gives:

- 10,609 = 10,000(1 + r)^2

Solving for r:

- 1 + r = (10,609/10,000)^(1/2)

- 1 + r = 1.03

- r = 0.03 or 3%

Options and Explanation:

- ?? Option 1: 3% per annum

- Matches the calculated rate.

- ?? Option 2: 4% per annum

- Too high; results in more than 609 interest.

- ?? Option 3: 2% per annum

- Too low; results in less than 609 interest.

- ?? Option 4: 5% per annum

- Way too high; would result in much more than 609 interest.