A saleswoman earns 20% commision on all the merchandise that she sells. Last month she sold $900 worth of merchandise. How much commission (in dollars) did she earn last month?

secant-secant formula:

(whole secant) x (external part) =           (whole secant) x (external part)

(8+y-2) *8=                                           (y+4+6) *6

(y+6)*8 = (y+10) *6

distribute

8y+48 = 6y +60

subtract 6y from each side

2y +48 = 60

subtract 48 from each side

2y = 12

divide by 2

y = 6

sv =     (y+4+6)

sv   = 6+4+6

sv = 16