For an agricultural experiment, 300 seeds were planted in one plot and 200 were planted in a second plot. If exactly 15 percent of the seeds in the first plot germinated and exactly 35 percent of the seeds in the second plot germinated, what percent of the total number of seeds germinated? Choose one:  A) 12 %  B) 26 %  C) 23 %  D) 30 %  E) 60 %

Rationale: "in the first plot 15 % of 300 seeds germinated , so 0.15 x 300 = 45 seeds germinated . in the second plot , 35 % of 200 seeds germinated , so 0.35 x 200 = 70 seeds germinated . since 45 + 70 = 115 seeds germinated out of a total of 300 + 200 = 500 seeds , the percent of seeds that germinated is ( 115 / 500 ) x 100 % , or 23 % . answer : c ."
Answer: C