Cost of an Air Bag

(1) 3.1%

Explanation

First, we translate the words of the problem into a percent equation.

What percent of the $16,295 sticker price is the cost of the air bag?

x • 16,295 = 500

• 500 is the amount
• x is the percent
• 16,295 is the base

Then we solve the equation.

x • 16,295 = 500

To undo the multiplication by 16,295 and isolate x on the left side, divide both sides of the equation by 16,295.

$\frac{x \cdot 16,295}{\color{red}{16,295}} = \frac{500}{\color{red}{16,295}}$

To simplify the fraction on the left side, remove the common factor of 16,295 from the numerator and denominator.

To perform the division on the right side using a scientific calculator, enter the following: 500 ÷ 16295 =