1. **State the problem:** We are given the simple interest formula $$I = Prt$$ and values $$I = 24$$, $$r = 6\% = 0.06$$, and $$t = 3$$ months. We need to find the principal $$P$$. 2. **Convert time to years:** Since the rate $$r$$ is annual, convert time from months to years: $$t = \frac{3}{12} = 0.25$$ years. 3. **Write the formula:** $$I = Prt$$ 4. **Substitute known values:** $$24 = P \times 0.06 \times 0.25$$ 5. **Simplify the right side:** $$24 = P \times 0.015$$ 6. **Solve for $$P$$ by dividing both sides by 0.015:** $$P = \frac{24}{0.015}$$ 7. **Show cancellation:** $$P = \frac{24}{\cancel{0.015}} \times \frac{\cancel{1}}{1}$$ 8. **Calculate:** $$P = 1600$$ **Final answer:** The principal $$P$$ is 1600.