Question

Piper works at a camera store. He is paid an hourly rate +16% commission on everything he sells. One week, he was paid $515 for working 20 hours and sewing 1500 worth of camera quit meant. What is his hourly rate?

Answer 1

His hourly rate is $13.75.

Let x be the hourly rate.  Since he works 20 hours that week, the hourly wages are given by 20x.  We add to that his commission, which is 16% of the $1500 in sales, or 0.16(1500).  This totals to 515:

20x + 0.16(1500) = 515
20x + 240 = 515

Subtract 240 from both sides:
20x + 240 - 240 = 515 - 240
20x = 275

Divide both sides by 20:
20x/20 = 275/20
x = 13.75.