Question

Customers of a utility company received notices in their monthly

bills that heating costs for the average customer had increased 125% over last year because of an unusually severe winter. In January of last year, the Garcia's paid $120
for heating. What should they expect to pay this January if their bill increased by 125%?

Answer 1

To calculate the expected heating costs for the Garcia's after a 125% increase, multiply their previous bill of $120 by 1.25 to find the increase amount ($150) and add this to the original bill to project a new cost of $270.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked about the expected heating costs for the Garcia's this January if their utility bill increased by 125% compared to last year. To calculate this, we start with the amount they paid the previous January, which was $120. An increase of 125% means that the cost has more than doubled. To find the new cost, we perform the following calculation: $120 + (125% of $120).

To calculate 125% of $120, we convert the percentage to a decimal (125% = 1.25) and then multiply by the original cost: 1.25 × $120 = $150. So, the increase in cost is $150. Adding this increase to the original cost of $120, the Garcia's can expect to pay $270 for heating this January ($120 + $150 = $270).