To calculate the percent error, we can use the following formula:
\[ \text{Percent Error} = \frac{\text{Absolute Error}}{\text{Expected Value}} \times 100 \]
Where:
- Absolute Error = Expected Value - Final Cost
Given:
- Expected Value = $25,500
- Final Cost = $21,800
Calculate the Absolute Error:
\[ \text{Absolute Error} = 25,500 - 21,800 = 3,700 \]
Now, plug this value into the formula:
\[ \text{Percent Error} = \frac{3,700}{25,500} \times 100 \]
Calculating the fraction:
\[ \frac{3,700}{25,500} \approx 0.1455 \]
Now, multiplying by 100 to get the percentage:
\[ 0.1455 \times 100 \approx 14.55% \]
Rounding this, the percent error is approximately 14.5%.
Therefore, the correct response is 14.5%.