Equal selling prices but opposite percentage outcomes — net result A horse and a cow are each sold for Rs 12,000. The horse is sold at a 20% loss and the cow at a 20% gain. What is the net result over both sales together?

Introduction / Context:Opposite percentage outcomes at the same selling price usually do not cancel because they are computed on different cost bases. Compute each original cost and compare the combined cost to the combined selling price to get the net result.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Horse: sold at 20% loss; SP = 12,000 ⇒ CP_horse = 12,000/0.80 = 15,000.
• Cow: sold at 20% gain; SP = 12,000 ⇒ CP_cow = 12,000/1.20 = 10,000.
• Total SP = 24,000; Total CP = 25,000.

Concept / Approach:Net result = Total SP − Total CP. Positive indicates gain; negative indicates loss.

Step-by-Step Solution:Total CP = 15,000 + 10,000 = 25,000.Total SP = 12,000 + 12,000 = 24,000.Net = 24,000 − 25,000 = −1,000 ⇒ Loss of Rs 1,000.

Verification / Alternative check:Relative movement logic: equal SPs but asymmetric CPs mean the larger base (horse) drives a net loss here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:No loss/gain is a common misconception; gains of 1,000 or 2,000 contradict the computed totals; Loss of 2,000 overstates the effect.

Common Pitfalls:Assuming +20% and −20% cancel; percentage changes are base-dependent and do not symmetrically offset.

Final Answer:Loss of Rs 1,000