Given a math problem with context and a question and 5 answer choices, the task is to provide the correct answer choice based on the problem. You must choose one of the given answer choices by letter: a, b, c, d, or e; anything else is invalid.
--------
Question: Problem: the price of a certain painting increased by 30 % during the first year and decreased by 15 % during the second year. the price of the painting at the end of the 2 - year period was what percent of the original price ?
Options: a. 102 %, b. 105 %, c. 110.5 %, d. 112.5 %, e. 100 %

Answer: c

Question: Problem: what is the value of ( 2 ) ^ - 3 ?
Options: a. 1 / 6, b. 1 / 5, c. 1 / 8, d. 1 / 9, e. 1 / 7

Answer: c

Question: Problem: if an investor puts $ 700 in a savings account that earns 10 percent annual interest compounded semiannually, how much money will be in the account after one year ?
Options: a. $ 769.75, b. $ 771.75, c. $ 773.75, d. $ 775.75, e. $ 777.75

Answer:
b