To determine how the stock is performing, we need to compare its initial purchase price to its current value.
Jerry bought the stock at \(21 \frac{1}{2}\), which can be converted into an improper fraction or decimal:
- \(21 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{43}{2} = 21.5\)
The current value of the stock is \(20 \frac{3}{8}\):
- \(20 \frac{3}{8} = \frac{163}{8} = 20.375\)
Next, we can assess whether the stock is performing "above par," "on par," "par equality," or "below par" based on its purchase price and current value:
- Above par: This would mean the current value is greater than the purchase price.
- On par or Par equality: This would mean the current value equals the purchase price.
- Below par: This means the current value is less than the purchase price.
Since \(20.375 < 21.5\), the stock's current value is less than its purchase price.
Thus, we can conclude that the stock is performing D) Below par.