Last year Elaine spent 20% of her annual earnings on rent. This year she earned 15% more than last year and she spent 25% of her annual earnings on rent. The amount she spent on rent this year is what percent of the amount spent on rent last year?  Choose the correct choice from the following choices:
A) 152.5	B) 143.75	C) 155.5	D) 165.5	E) 117.5

Rationale: for this it is easiest to use simple numbers . let ' s assume that elaine ' s annual earnings last year were $ 100 . she would ' ve spent $ 20 of this on rent . this year she earned 15 % more , or $ 115 . she would ' ve spent 25 % of this on rent , or $ 28.75 do $ 34.5 / $ 20 this will give you 143.75 % b is the correct answer .
Answer: B