Slavery and indentured servitude were both forms of labor which were used in colonial america. how were indentured servants different from slaves?

Both slaves and indentured servants worked extremely hard for many hours at a time. Both could be punished for escaping. However, this is where the similarities end. 

Indentured servants choose to come to the States, and sign a contract stating their pay, room, and board. After five years, their contract was over and they were granted 'freedom'. These people were often those who could not afford to come to the country. 

Slaves were not paid, and didn't receive anything for their work other than food and a place to stay, both insufficient for an adult. 

The mercantilism option