1956 AHSME Problems/Problem 2

Problem #2

Mr. Jones sold two pipes at $\textdollar{ 1.20}$ each. Based on the cost, his profit on one was

$20$ % and his loss on the other was $20$ %. On the sale of the pipes, he:

$\textbf{(A)}\ \text{broke even}\qquad \textbf{(B)}\ \text{lost }4\text{ cents} \qquad\textbf{(C)}\ \text{gained }4\text{ cents}\qquad \\ \textbf{(D)}\ \text{lost }10\text{ cents}\qquad \textbf{(E)}\ \text{gained }10\text{ cents}$

Solution

For the first pipe, we are told that his profit was 20%. In other words, he sold the pipe for 120% or $\frac{6}{5}$ of its original value. This tells us that the original price was $\frac{5}{6} * 1.20 = $1.00$ .

For the second pipe, we are told that his loss was 20%. In other words, he sold the pipe for 80% or $\frac{4}{5}$ of its original value. This tells us that the original price was $\frac{5}{4} * 1.20 = $1.50$ .

Thus, his total cost was $$2.50$ and his total revenue was $$2.40$ .

Therefore, he $\fbox{(D) lost 10 cents}$ .

Page

Toolbox

Search

1956 AHSME Problems/Problem 2

Problem #2

Solution

See Also