Question

Imagine that after completing your economics course (you get an A, of course) you are at a family gathering. Your grandmother asks you about a news story she read this morning. The story explained that when the government adjusts Social Security payments for inflation, it generally uses the CPI-W, which is the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Because senior citizens spend a lot more than average on medical care, adjustments to their Social Security payments are not keeping up with their cost of living.

Last year I received $15,000 per year from the government. The story said that the CPI increased from 144 to 162. How much will I get this year?

Answer 1

$16,875

Step-by-step explanation:

The amount received per year is $15,000 and the CPI increased from 144 to 162

Inflation rate = (New CPI - Old CPI)/Old CPI * 100

Inflation rate = 162-144/144 * 100

Inflation rate = 0.125

Inflation rate = 12.5%

Amount received = $15,000 * 12.5% = $1,875

==> $15,000 + $1,875 = $16,875

So, Grandmother will receive $16,875