Early payment rebate: Paying an electricity bill before the due date gives a 4% reduction. A person saved ₹13 by early payment. What was the original bill amount?
-
A₹ 125
-
B₹ 225
-
C₹ 325
-
D₹ 425
-
E₹ 275
Answer
Correct Answer: ₹ 325
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Percentage reductions translate to a fixed saving when applied to a base amount. Here, a 4% rebate produced a known rupee saving; we back-calculate the original bill by dividing the saving by the rate as a decimal.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Rebate rate = 4% = 0.04
- Saving amount = ₹13
Concept / Approach:Saving = Rate * Original Amount. Thus, Original Amount = Saving / Rate. No compounding is involved—this is a direct single reduction.
Step-by-Step Solution:Let B be the bill amount. Then 0.04 * B = 13B = 13 / 0.04 = 325
Verification / Alternative check:4% of ₹325 is ₹13; paying early reduces the bill by ₹13, consistent with the statement.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Other amounts do not yield ₹13 when 4% is computed; quick mental math shows the discrepancy.
Common Pitfalls:Using 4 as the divisor instead of 0.04; always convert the percent to a decimal.
Final Answer:₹ 325