The Smith family spends 8% of their budget on entertainment. Their total budget this year is $2,000 more than last year, and this year they plan to spend $3,840 on entertainment. What was their total budget last year?

look at the picture.

1.

ef : ab = 2 : 3

gf : cb = 2 : 3

gh : cd = 2 : 3

he : da = 2 : 3

2.

∠a ≅ ∠e

∠b ≅ ∠f

∠c ≅ ∠g

∠d ≅ ∠h

3.

use pythagorean theorem:

the length of the abcd trapezoid sides:

|ab| = 3 cm

|bc| = 10 cm

|cd| = 3(3) cm = 9 cm

|da| = 8 cm

the perimeter of abcd = 3 + 10 + 9 + 8 = 30 cm

the ratio of perimeters of the tarapezoids is equal 2 : 3.

substitute:

      cross multiply

      divide both sides by 3

4n=2m

ratio of m to n: 2/4 = 1/2

answer

a. 1/2