1.5% + (.5P) : P=# of people in squad

The problem has missing information. But, i'll try to answer it.

1.5% should be converted into a decimal number before it can be added to 0.50P.

1.5% / 100% = 0.015

0.015 + 0.5P = 0

0.5P = - 0.015

0.5P / 0.5 = - 0.015/0.5

P = - 0.03

To check:

0.015 + 0.5 (-0.03) = 0

0.015 - 0.015 = 0

0 = 0

Since no information about the number of people in the squad is given, let us assume that the squad is composed of 30 people, So, P = 30

0.015 + (0.5*30) = 0.015 + 15 = 15.015