Al is paid $500 a month plus a commission of 15% of the jewelry she sells. Find the value of the jewelry Al must sell in a month to earn at least $2000.

Question

it involves percentage and algebra of a 9th or 10th grade level.

Answer 1

Hi Jes! To solve the problem, you must recognize that this problem essentially boils down to understanding the linear equation, y = mx + b. "m" is the slope; it modifies x. In this case, our m value is .15 (15% expressed as a decimal). "b" is the constant; it never changes. In this case, our b value is $500 (Al's monthly salary). "y" is the final outcome of the equation; it is the final amount that Al needs to make in the month. In this case, our y value is $2000, Al's threshold salary. "x" is the amount that Al must sell (pre-commission) to earn $2000. To solve the problem, plug the values into the equation:

 

y = mx + b

2000 = .15x + 500

2000 - 500 = .15x + 500 - 500

1500 = .15x

(1500 / .15) = (.15x / .15)

10,000 = x

 

Therefore, Al must sell $10,000 in a month to earn $2000. I hope this helps!