BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Problem solving

Expert replies
by Noman » Sat Jan 23, 2016 8:37 am
The cost of two articles is in the ratio 3:2. on scale of the first, there is a loss of 40% & on sale of the second. there is a gain of 30%, what is the overall percentage of loss?
A.12 B.30 C. 40 D.10 E.16
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |

by MartyMurray » Sun Jan 24, 2016 7:52 pm
What a cool little question.

To make this super easy, just use easy numbers.

Let's say the costs of the two articles are 30 and 20. The total cost is 50.

On the 30 one there is a loss of 40%.

-.4 x 30 = -12

On the 20 one there is a gain of 30%.

.3 x 20 = 6

The net loss is -12 + 6 = -6

Loss/Cost = -6/50 = -12%

The correct answer is A.

Alternative Approach

If the costs of the articles are in the ratio 3:2, then the cost of the first article is 3/5 of the total cost, and the cost of the second article is 2/5 of the total cost.

Loss of 40% of 3/5 = -1.2/5

Gain of 30% of 2/5 = .6/5

Net loss is -1.2/5 + .6/5 = -.6/5 = 12/100 = 12%

The correct answer is A.
Marty Murray
Perfect Scoring Tutor With Over a Decade of Experience
MartyMurrayCoaching.com
Contact me at [email protected] for a free consultation.
Join the discussion