Chapter 2.2, Problem 15P

Define a variable and write an equation for each situation. Then solve.

Chip earns a base salary of $500 per month as a salesman. In addition to the salary, he earns $90 per product that he sells. If his goal is to earn $5000 per month, how many products does he need to sell?

To determine

To write an equation for given situation and then solve.

Answer to Problem 15P

500 products must be sold to get a total of $5000 per month.

Explanation of Solution

Given information :

Base salary = $500

Additional salary per product is $90

Let the total salary for month be $y$ for selling $x$ products.

Hence the equation for the situation shall be,

  $y=500+90x$

Now the goal is to earn a total of $\$5000$ .

Put $y=5000$ in the equation derived above we get,

  $\begin{array}{l}5000=500+90x\\ 90x=4500\\ x=\frac{4500}{9}=500\end{array}$

Therefore 500 products must be sold to get a total of $5000 per month.