In a survey conducted by a union, members were asked to rate the importance of the following issues: (1) job security, (2) increased fringe benefits, and (3) improved working conditions. five different responses were allowed for each issue. among completed surveys, how many different responses to this survey were possible?

First option has 5 possible rates as well as second option and third option.

A person can pick any rate for each option (job security, increased fringe benefits and improved working conditions). That means that person can rate all options with same "grade"

because 5 possible rating can be done on each option and they can be repeated (same grade for all or 2 of issues) total number of possible different answer is:

5*5*5 = 125