1998 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1998 · General Studies
Question 134: Basic Numeracy
A man purchases two clocks A and B at a total cost of Rs 650. He sells A with 20% profit and B at a loss of 25% and gets the same selling price for both the clocks. What are the purchasing prices of A and B respectively?
aRs 225; Rs 425
bRs 250; Rs 400
cRs 275; Rs 375
dRs 300; Rs 350
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Let the cost prices be A and B. The selling prices are equal: 1.20 A = 0.75 B, so A : B = 0.75 : 1.20 = 5 : 8. With A + B = 650, A = 650 x 5/13 = 250 and B = 650 x 8/13 = 400. Check: 1.2 x 250 = 300 and 0.75 x 400 = 300.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) 225 and 425 give selling prices of 270 and 318.75, which differ.
- (b) Right: 250 and 400 both sell at Rs 300.
- (c) 275 and 375 give selling prices of 330 and 281.25, which differ.
- (d) 300 and 350 give selling prices of 360 and 262.5, which differ.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.