1. **State the problem:** We need to prepare fixed base index numbers using 1997 as the base year from the given price index data. 2. **Formula:** The fixed base index number for year $t$ with base year $b$ is given by: $$\text{Fixed Base Index}_t = \frac{\text{Price Index}_t}{\text{Price Index}_b} \times 100$$ 3. **Explanation:** This formula compares each year's price index to the base year's price index, expressing it as a percentage. 4. **Given data:** - Base year 1997 price index = 115 - Other years' price indices as provided. 5. **Calculate fixed base index numbers:** - For 1995: $\frac{100}{115} \times 100 = 86.96$ - For 1996: $\frac{108}{115} \times 100 = 93.91$ - For 1997: $\frac{115}{115} \times 100 = 100$ - For 1998: $\frac{169}{115} \times 100 = 146.96$ - For 1999: $\frac{281}{115} \times 100 = 244.35$ - For 2000: $\frac{295}{115} \times 100 = 256.52$ - For 2001: $\frac{308}{115} \times 100 = 267.83$ - For 2002: $\frac{325}{115} \times 100 = 282.61$ - For 2003: $\frac{332}{115} \times 100 = 288.70$ 6. **Interpretation:** These fixed base index numbers show the relative price level of each year compared to 1997. **Final fixed base index numbers:** 1995: 86.96 1996: 93.91 1997: 100 1998: 146.96 1999: 244.35 2000: 256.52 2001: 267.83 2002: 282.61 2003: 288.70 This completes the calculation of fixed base index numbers with 1997 as the base year.