James earned $39,600 last year. he paid $11,250 towards rent and $1,422 in car payments. what percent of his earnings did jon pay in the rent and car payments?

Step 1:
Add rent & car payments

=11,250+1422
=$12,672

Step 2:
to determine %, set up a proportion
12,672 is to his total of 39,600 as x is to 100

12,672/39,600 = x/100
cross multiply
(12,672)(100) = (39,600)(x)
1,267,200= 39,600x
divide both sides by 39,600
32%= x

OR

Alternative Step 2:
12,672 ÷ 39,600= 0.32
Alternative Step 3:
0.32 x 100 = 32%
or move decimal to the right 2 places

His rent and car payments are 32% of his earnings.

Hope this helps! :)