To calculate a 4% quick pay fee on a $1,800 flat rate, which calculation yields -$72?

• A. -0.04 x $1,800
• B. -0.04 x $1,800 x 2
• C. 0.04 x $1,800
• D. -0.04 x $1,500

Answer: (A)

The key idea is applying a percentage as a decimal to the base amount and recognizing that a fee is a deduction, so the result should be negative. Four percent of 1,800 is 0.04 × 1,800 = 72, and since it’s a quick pay fee (a cost you subtract), the net value is -72. The expression that matches this is -0.04 × 1,800. Other options either use the wrong base (1,500 instead of 1,800), omit the negative sign (which would indicate a credit rather than a deduction), or apply the percentage twice, giving -144.