Question

Elijah works in a department store selling clothing. He makes a guaranteed salary of $500 per week, but is paid a commission on top of his base salary equal to 30% of his total sales for the week. How much would Elijah make in a week in which he made $775 in sales? How much would Elijah make in a week if he made xx dollars in sales?
Answer
Attempt 1 out of 2

Total earnings when selling $775:
Total earnings when selling $x:

Answer 1

To calculate Elijah's total earnings for a week, we start with his guaranteed salary and then add his commission based on his total sales.

1. **Guaranteed Salary**: $500
2. **Commission**: 30% of total sales

**Calculate Total Earnings for $775 in Sales**:
- Sales amount: $775
- Commission: 30% of $775
\[
\text{Commission} = 0.30 \times 775 = 232.50
\]
- Total earnings:
\[
\text{Total Earnings} = \text{Guaranteed Salary} + \text{Commission} = 500 + 232.50 = 732.50
\]

So, for $775 in sales, Elijah would earn **$732.50**.

**Calculate Total Earnings for xx in Sales**:
- Sales amount: \( x \)
- Commission: 30% of \( x \)
\[
\text{Commission} = 0.30 \times x
\]
- Total earnings:
\[
\text{Total Earnings} = 500 + 0.30x
\]

Therefore, for \( x \) dollars in sales, Elijah would earn **$500 + 0.30x**.