Question

anthony sells cars. each month, he is paid $2,000, plus a 15% commission on monthly sales above $20,000. which function calculates his monthly earnings (e) as a function of m, his monthly sales?
e(m) = 2,000 + 0.15(m + 20,000)
e(m) = 2,000 + 15(m + 20,000)
e(m) = 2,000 + 15(m - 20,000)
e(m) = 2,000 + 0.15(m - 20,000)

Explanation:

Step1: Identify base earnings

Base monthly pay is $\$2000$.

Step2: Define commission-eligible sales

Commission applies to sales above $\$20,000$, so this amount is $m - 20000$ (where $m$ is total monthly sales).

Step3: Convert commission rate to decimal

15% as a decimal is $0.15$.

Step4: Build total earnings function

Total earnings = base pay + (commission rate × eligible sales)
$E(m) = 2000 + 0.15(m - 20000)$

Answer:

$E(m) = 2,000 + 0.15(m - 20,000)$