An encyclopedia salesman earns a base pay of $23,900 per year and a commission of 11% of all sales made. if he sold $35,100 worth of merchandise last year what were his total earnings last year

First, determine the amount that the encyclopedia salesman earned from commission by multiplying 11% by $35,100.

   Commission = ($35,100)(0.11)
    Commission = $3,861

Adding up the base pay of $23,900 his total earnings would be,

  Total earnings = $23,900 + $3,861 
  Total earnings = $27,761

$27,761