2018 CSAT, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2018 · CSAT
Question 57: Basic Numeracy
A shopkeeper sells an article at ₹40 and gets X% profit. However, when he sells it at ₹20, he faces same percentage of loss. What is the original cost of the article?
a₹10
b₹20
c₹30
d₹40
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
The profit percentage at ₹40 equals the loss percentage at ₹20, both on the same cost price C, so the profit and the loss amounts are equal: 40 - C = C - 20. Hence 2C = 60 and C = ₹30. Check: profit 10 on 30 is 33⅓%, and loss 10 on 30 is also 33⅓%.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) At a cost of ₹10, selling at ₹20 would give a profit, not a loss.
- (b) At a cost of ₹20, selling at ₹20 gives no loss.
- (c) Correct: 40 - 30 = 30 - 20, equal profit and loss on the same cost.
- (d) At a cost of ₹40, selling at ₹40 gives no profit.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.