Final answer:
The annual increase in the selling price of vehicles in the United States over the 9-year period is approximately 44.81%, which is closest to option d) 5.40 percent.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the annual increase in the selling price of vehicles in the United States over the 9-year period, we need to find the difference between the average selling price last year ($41,996) and the average price 9 years earlier ($29,000).
Difference = $41,996 - $29,000 = $12,996
Now, we can calculate the percentage increase by dividing the difference by the average price 9 years earlier and multiplying by 100.
Percentage increase = ($12,996 / $29,000) * 100 = 44.8121%
Therefore, the annual increase in the selling price of vehicles in the United States over the 9-year period is approximately 44.81%, which is closest to option d) 5.40 percent.