Successive discounts, repair, and resale — A dealer buys an item marked ₹ 25,000 with successive discounts of 20% and 5%, spends ₹ 2000 on repairs, and sells it for ₹ 25,000. What is his overall gain or loss percentage?
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A21% loss
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B10.50% loss
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C19.05% gain
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D25% gain
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E12% gain
Answer
Correct Answer: 19.05% gain
Explanation
Introduction / Context: Here we combine successive discounts on the list price, an additional repair outlay, and a final sale price to determine the net percentage result. Successive discounts multiply, not add, and the final profit is compared against the effective cost including repairs.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- List price = ₹ 25,000.
- Discounts: 20% then 5% ⇒ net multiplier = 0.80 * 0.95.
- Repair cost = ₹ 2000 (added to purchase cost).
- Final SP = ₹ 25,000.
Concept / Approach: Effective purchase cost = 25,000 * 0.80 * 0.95. Add repairs to get total cost. Profit% = (SP − total cost)/total cost * 100.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Purchase price = 25000 * 0.80 * 0.95 = 25000 * 0.76 = ₹ 19,000.Total cost = 19,000 + 2,000 = ₹ 21,000.Profit = 25,000 − 21,000 = ₹ 4,000.Profit% = 4000 / 21,000 * 100 ≈ 19.05% gain.Verification / Alternative check: Reverse: 21,000 * 1.1905 ≈ 24,999.5 ≈ 25,000 (rounding explains the small decimal).
Why Other Options Are Wrong: The “loss” options contradict positive profit; 25% is too high; 12% gain is too low.
Common Pitfalls: Adding discounts (20% + 5% = 25%) instead of compounding (actual 24% off), or forgetting to include the repair cost in the total cost base.
Final Answer: 19.05% gain