How Much Did Renaldo Sell to Earn $3,025 in a Month?

[nycmathdad]

Each month, Renaldo earns a commission of 10.5% of his total sales for the month, plus a salary of $2,500. If Renaldo earns $3,025 in a certain month, what were his total sales?

Let me see.

Renaldo's commission is 0.105 of his total sales.

I understand this to be 0.105x, where x = his total sales.

Plus a salary of 2,500 dollars.

So far, I have 0.105x + 2,500.

In a certain month, Renaldo earns 3,025 dollars.

I say the equation needed is as follows:

0.105x + 2,500 = 3,025

You say?

 

[jonah1]

Beer soaked non sequitur ramblings follow.

...
You say?

I say 'tis love that makes the world go round.

 

[HOI]

Yes, that is correct.

Now, solve the equation 0.105x + 2,500 = 3,025 for x.

 

[nycmathdad]

Yes, that is correct.

Now, solve the equation 0.105x + 2,500 = 3,025 for x.

My concern is not so much solving for x as it is setting up the right equation.

 

[HOI]

The only reason I can think of for setting up an equation is to be able to solve for x!

Frankly, to answer the question originally asked, I wouldn't have set up an equation at all. I would have argued that since his fixed salary was \$2500 and he earned \$3025, the difference, \$3025- 2500= \$525, was commision. Since you get that commission by multiply his sales by 0.105, you can go from commission to sales by dividing \$525 by 0.105: 525/0.105= \$5000.00. He had sales of \$5000.