Profit and Loss: A Topic Every JKSSB Aspirant Must Master
Profit and Loss is one of the most important and repeatedly asked topics in competitive exams like JKSSB. The reason is simple: it tests your understanding of percentages, ratio logic, commercial arithmetic, and day-to-day mathematical reasoning. At first glance, the topic may look easy because the formulas appear straightforward. But in exam settings, questions are often twisted using discount, marked price, successive changes, fraud in weight, gain-loss percentage, and comparison-based logic.
A student who understands Profit and Loss properly does not just memorize formulas. Such a student learns to see the logic behind cost price, selling price, marked price, discount, and percentage changes. That understanding becomes powerful because the same thinking supports topics like Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Percentage, Ratio, and Data Interpretation as well.
In JKSSB, this topic is especially useful because questions are usually practical, calculation-based, and moderate in difficulty. A strong command here can save time and increase accuracy. That is why these notes are written not only to help you solve questions, but to help you understand the topic in a way that sticks in memory.
Read Also: Time and Distance notes for jkssb
What Is Profit and Loss?
Profit and Loss is a branch of arithmetic that deals with buying and selling transactions.
When a person buys an item and later sells it, there are two possible outcomes:
- If the selling price is more than the cost price, there is profit
- If the selling price is less than the cost price, there is loss
This topic is used in trade, commerce, retail business, and daily market transactions. It is not just mathematical theory; it reflects how actual business works.
Basic Meaning in Simple Language
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cost Price (CP) | The price at which an item is bought |
| Selling Price (SP) | The price at which an item is sold |
| Profit | Extra money earned when SP > CP |
| Loss | Money lost when SP < CP |
| Marked Price (MP) | The price written on the product before discount |
| Discount | Reduction given on marked price |
A good way to remember the central idea is:
CP is your starting point, SP is your outcome.
If the outcome is higher, you gain. If it is lower, you lose.
Core Concepts You Must Understand First
Before solving questions, these ideas must be absolutely clear.
1. Cost Price (CP)
Cost Price is the actual purchase price of an article. If a shopkeeper buys a pen for ₹20, then ₹20 is the cost price.
2. Selling Price (SP)
Selling Price is the price at which the article is sold. If the same pen is sold for ₹25, then ₹25 is the selling price.
3. Profit
Profit occurs when:
SP > CP
Formula:
Profit = SP - CP
4. Loss
Loss occurs when:
SP < CP
Formula:
Loss = CP - SP
5. Profit Percentage
Profit percentage shows profit as a percentage of the cost price.
Profit % = (Profit / CP) × 100
6. Loss Percentage
Loss percentage shows loss as a percentage of the cost price.
Loss % = (Loss / CP) × 100
This is where many students make mistakes. Always remember that profit or loss percentage is calculated on cost price, not on selling price.
Why Cost Price Is the Base
This is one of the most important conceptual points in the whole chapter.
Profit and loss are judged from the seller’s original investment. That original investment is the cost price. So if a trader invests ₹100 and earns ₹20, the gain is measured relative to the ₹100 investment, not relative to the final ₹120.
That is why:
- Profit percentage = Profit compared to CP
- Loss percentage = Loss compared to CP
This principle appears repeatedly in exams. Many students wrongly calculate profit percentage on SP and end up with incorrect answers.
Example
A shopkeeper buys an item for ₹200 and sells it for ₹240.
Profit = 240 - 200 = ₹40
Profit % = (40 / 200) × 100 = 20%
Important Formulas in Profit and Loss
Main Formula Table
| Quantity | Formula |
|---|---|
| Profit | SP - CP |
| Loss | CP - SP |
| Profit % | (Profit / CP) × 100 |
| Loss % | (Loss / CP) × 100 |
| SP at profit x% | CP × (100 + x)/100 |
| SP at loss x% | CP × (100 - x)/100 |
| CP when SP and profit% given | SP × 100/(100 + x) |
| CP when SP and loss% given | SP × 100/(100 - x) |
These formulas are the backbone of the topic. If you know them well, many questions become direct and easy.
Relationship Between CP, SP, Profit and Loss
The relationship can be understood through this flow:
Cost Price → Selling Price → Profit or Loss
If the item is sold:
- above CP → profit
- below CP → loss
- equal to CP → neither profit nor loss
No Profit, No Loss Condition
If:
SP = CP
then there is no gain and no loss.
This is a common one-line question in exams.
Marked Price and Discount
This part is extremely important because many exam questions combine profit and loss with discount.
Marked Price (MP)
Marked Price is the printed price on the article. It is also called list price or tag price.
Discount
Discount means reduction from marked price.
Discount = MP - SP
Discount Percentage
Discount % = (Discount / MP) × 100
Relation Between MP, Discount and SP
SP = MP - Discount
or
SP = MP × (100 - discount%)/100
Why This Matters
In markets, sellers often do not sell at the marked price. They give discounts to attract buyers. Exam questions often ask whether a seller still makes profit even after discount.
Profit and Loss with Discount: A Very Common Exam Pattern
Suppose a trader buys an item for ₹500 and marks it at ₹700. He gives a discount of 10%.
Marked Price = ₹700
Discount = 10% of 700 = ₹70
Selling Price = 700 - 70 = ₹630
Profit = 630 - 500 = ₹130
Profit % = (130 / 500) × 100 = 26%
This is a classic combined question pattern. The key is to calculate SP first, then compare it with CP.
Shortcut Formulas That Save Time in Exams
For competitive exams, faster methods matter.
1. Selling Price after Profit
If CP and profit percentage are given:
SP = CP × (100 + profit%)/100
2. Selling Price after Loss
If CP and loss percentage are given:
SP = CP × (100 - loss%)/100
3. Cost Price when SP and Profit are Given
CP = SP × 100/(100 + profit%)
4. Cost Price when SP and Loss are Given
CP = SP × 100/(100 - loss%)
5. Discounted Selling Price
SP = MP × (100 - discount%)/100
These formulas are especially useful in time-bound objective tests.
Understanding Profit and Loss Through Ratio Thinking
Many students find ratio-based reasoning easier than direct subtraction. That is actually a smart approach.
If profit is 20%, then:
SP : CP = 120 : 100 = 6 : 5
If loss is 20%, then:
SP : CP = 80 : 100 = 4 : 5
This ratio view is extremely useful in quick calculations.
Quick Ratio Table
| Condition | CP : SP | SP : CP |
|---|---|---|
| 10% profit | 100 : 110 | 11 : 10 |
| 20% profit | 100 : 120 | 6 : 5 |
| 25% profit | 100 : 125 | 5 : 4 |
| 10% loss | 100 : 90 | 9 : 10 |
| 20% loss | 100 : 80 | 4 : 5 |
| 25% loss | 100 : 75 | 3 : 4 |
This table helps students avoid repeated calculation.
Students Often Confuse These Concepts
Common Confusions in Profit and Loss
| Concept | What Students Think | Correct Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Profit % | Calculated on SP | Calculated on CP |
| Loss % | Calculated on SP | Calculated on CP |
| Discount | Profit on goods | Reduction from marked price |
| Marked Price | Final selling price | Printed price before discount |
| CP and MP | Same thing | Usually different |
| SP and MP | Same thing | Same only when no discount is given |
This confusion table should be revised often, because examiners love testing these boundaries.
Profit and Loss With Successive Changes
Sometimes a trader first gives a discount and then the item becomes profitable or loss-making. Sometimes there are two successive profits or losses. In such cases, direct arithmetic is often not enough; percentage logic is needed.
Successive Profit Formula
If there are two successive profits of a% and b%, then overall profit % is:
a + b + (ab/100)
Successive Loss Formula
If there are two successive losses of a% and b%, then overall loss % is:
a + b - (ab/100)
Mixed Change Formula
If one is profit and the other is loss, then the net effect is:
profit - loss ± combined adjustment
But in such cases, it is often safer to use multiplication:
- increase by x% → multiply by (100 + x)/100
- decrease by x% → multiply by (100 - x)/100
This method is cleaner and reduces mistakes.
Example
An item increases by 20% and then decreases by 10%.
Net factor = 1.20 × 0.90 = 1.08
So overall gain = 8%
This is much better than doing rough mental subtraction.
Gain and Loss in Terms of Fractions
Some questions are easier when profit/loss percentages are converted into fractions.
| Percentage | Fraction |
|---|---|
| 10% | 1/10 |
| 20% | 1/5 |
| 25% | 1/4 |
| 33.33% | 1/3 |
| 50% | 1/2 |
| 66.67% | 2/3 |
This becomes useful in questions where CP or SP is a neat number.
Example
A trader earns 25% profit on an article purchased for ₹400.
Profit = 1/4 of 400 = ₹100
SP = 400 + 100 = ₹500
Important Types of Profit and Loss Questions in JKSSB
JKSSB generally asks Profit and Loss in a few standard formats. Once you know the pattern, the chapter becomes much easier.
1. Direct Profit or Loss Calculation
Find profit, loss, profit %, or loss % from given CP and SP.
2. Finding SP from CP and Profit/Loss %
Use formula-based direct calculation.
3. Finding CP from SP and Profit/Loss %
Reverse formula questions are very common.
4. Discount-Based Questions
Questions involving marked price and discount.
5. Successive Profit or Loss
Two stage profit/loss or increase/decrease questions.
6. Fraud in Weight
Very important concept where a trader uses a false weight or less quantity.
7. Mixed Business Questions
Questions involving profit on one item and loss on another, or total profit/loss on multiple articles.
8. Cost and Selling Price Comparisons
Questions comparing two articles or two traders.
Fraud in Weight: A High-Value Exam Topic
This topic often appears in slightly tricky forms.
A trader may claim to sell 1 kg of rice but actually gives only 900 g. Even if he sells at cost price, he still earns profit because he gives less quantity than promised.
Concept
If a trader gives only x grams instead of 1000 grams, but charges for 1000 grams, then his profit is due to cheating in weight.
Formula
If a person gives less quantity, then profit % is:
Profit % = [(True weight / Actual weight) - 1] × 100
Or, in simpler exam language:
If marked weight = 1000 g and actual weight given = 900 g:
Profit % = (1000 - 900) / 900 × 100 = 100/900 × 100 = 11.11%
Why Students Must Learn This
Because fraud in weight can look like a normal profit question, but the logic is different. In such questions, the seller is not necessarily changing price; he is reducing quantity.
Conceptual Insight: Why Profit and Loss Is More Than Formula Learning
Many students memorize formulas but still struggle in exam questions. The reason is that the chapter is really about comparison and value judgment.
You are always asking:
- What was the original value?
- What is the final value?
- Did the amount increase or decrease?
- What is the percentage change relative to the base?
That is why this topic connects strongly with percentages. Once you understand the base-value logic, most questions become easy.
This is also why examiners love this topic. It checks whether the student can think logically, not just perform arithmetic.
One-Look Revision Table
| Term | Formula / Meaning |
|---|---|
| CP | Buying price |
| SP | Selling price |
| MP | Printed price before discount |
| Profit | SP - CP |
| Loss | CP - SP |
| Profit % | (Profit/CP) × 100 |
| Loss % | (Loss/CP) × 100 |
| Discount | MP - SP |
| Discount % | (Discount/MP) × 100 |
| SP with profit | CP × (100 + p)/100 |
| SP with loss | CP × (100 - l)/100 |
This table should be revised again and again before mock tests.
Solved Examples for Clear Understanding
Example 1: Basic Profit
A shopkeeper buys a book for ₹250 and sells it for ₹300. Find the profit and profit percentage.
Solution:
Profit = SP - CP = 300 - 250 = ₹50
Profit % = (50/250) × 100 = 20%
Answer: Profit = ₹50, Profit % = 20%
Example 2: Basic Loss
A chair is bought for ₹800 and sold for ₹720. Find the loss and loss percentage.
Solution:
Loss = CP - SP = 800 - 720 = ₹80
Loss % = (80/800) × 100 = 10%
Answer: Loss = ₹80, Loss % = 10%
Example 3: Marked Price and Discount
A product is marked at ₹1000 and sold at 15% discount. Find SP.
Solution:
Discount = 15% of 1000 = ₹150
SP = 1000 - 150 = ₹850
Answer: ₹850
Example 4: Profit After Discount
An article is bought for ₹600 and marked at ₹900. If a 20% discount is given, find profit percentage.
Solution:
Discount = 20% of 900 = ₹180
SP = 900 - 180 = ₹720
Profit = 720 - 600 = ₹120
Profit % = (120/600) × 100 = 20%
Answer: 20% profit
Example 5: Finding CP from SP and Profit
An item is sold for ₹1320 at 10% profit. Find CP.
Solution:
CP = SP × 100/(100 + profit%)
CP = 1320 × 100/110
CP = ₹1200
Answer: ₹1200
Comparison Table: Profit, Loss and Discount
| Feature | Profit | Loss | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature | Gain | Decrease | Reduction in marked price |
| Base | CP | CP | MP |
| Formula | SP - CP | CP - SP | MP - SP |
| Percentage formula | Profit/CP × 100 | Loss/CP × 100 | Discount/MP × 100 |
| Common use | Business gain | Business loss | Sales and marketing |
This table is very useful because students often mix discount with loss. They are not the same.
Exam Tricks That Help in JKSSB
Trick 1: Always Identify the Base
Before solving anything, decide whether percentage is based on CP or MP. This avoids one of the biggest errors.
Trick 2: Convert Percentages Into Multipliers
Use:
- profit of x% → multiply by (100 + x)/100
- loss of x% → multiply by (100 - x)/100
- discount of x% → multiply by (100 - x)/100
This is faster than repeated subtraction.
Trick 3: Use Ratios for Fast Solving
Instead of calculating profit percentages repeatedly, use ratio forms like 6:5, 4:5, 5:4, etc.
Trick 4: Check Whether the Question Mentions Marked Price
If MP is involved, discount is likely part of the question.
Trick 5: For Two Changes, Multiply Factors
Two successive changes should usually be handled by multiplying factors, not by direct addition.
Frequently Asked Traps in Profit and Loss Questions
Trap 1: Profit on Selling Price
Wrong approach: calculating profit percentage on SP.
Correct approach: calculate on CP.
Trap 2: Ignoring Discount Base
Discount is always on MP, not CP.
Trap 3: Misreading “Given at 10% profit”
That means selling price is 110% of CP.
Trap 4: Forgetting Negative Result
If SP is less than CP, it is loss, not profit with a negative sign casually ignored.
Trap 5: Confusing Marked Price with Cost Price
Marked price is a retail label. Cost price is the shopkeeper’s purchase price.
Memory Technique for Quick Recall
Remember this simple chain:
CP → Profit/Loss → SP
MP → Discount → SP
And remember the rule:
- Profit/Loss always uses CP
- Discount always uses MP
This one memory rule removes a lot of confusion.
Quick Revision Block
Profit and Loss in One Glance
| Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Profit | SP greater than CP |
| Loss | SP less than CP |
| Profit % | Profit ÷ CP × 100 |
| Loss % | Loss ÷ CP × 100 |
| Discount | MP reduced to SP |
| Discount % | Discount ÷ MP × 100 |
| No profit no loss | SP = CP |
Most Important One-Liners for Revision
- Profit is calculated when selling price exceeds cost price.
- Loss is calculated when selling price is below cost price.
- Profit and loss percentage are always calculated on cost price.
- Discount is calculated on marked price.
- Marked price is the printed price before discount.
- Successive percentage changes should be multiplied as factors.
- A seller can still make profit even after giving discount.
- Fraud in weight is a separate but related exam topic.
JKSSB-Level MCQs on Profit and Loss
1. A shopkeeper buys an article for ₹500 and sells it for ₹600. What is the profit percentage?
A. 10%
B. 15%
C. 20%
D. 25%
Answer: C
Solution: Profit = 600 - 500 = 100. Profit % = (100/500) × 100 = 20%.
2. An item is sold at a loss of 12%. If the cost price is ₹250, what is the selling price?
A. ₹210
B. ₹220
C. ₹230
D. ₹240
Answer: B
Solution: SP = 250 × (100 - 12)/100 = 250 × 88/100 = ₹220.
3. An article marked at ₹1000 is sold at a discount of 10%. What is the selling price?
A. ₹800
B. ₹850
C. ₹900
D. ₹950
Answer: C
Solution: SP = 1000 × 90/100 = ₹900.
4. If an article is sold for ₹880 at 10% profit, what is its cost price?
A. ₹760
B. ₹800
C. ₹840
D. ₹900
Answer: B
Solution: CP = 880 × 100/110 = ₹800.
5. A trader gives 900 g instead of 1 kg but charges for 1 kg. What is his gain percentage approximately?
A. 9%
B. 10%
C. 11.11%
D. 12%
Answer: C
Solution: Profit % = (1000 - 900)/900 × 100 = 11.11%.
6. A shopkeeper buys a pen for ₹40 and sells it at 25% profit. What is the selling price?
A. ₹45
B. ₹48
C. ₹50
D. ₹55
Answer: C
Solution: SP = 40 × 125/100 = ₹50.
7. The marked price of an item is ₹2000 and the discount given is 15%. The selling price is:
A. ₹1600
B. ₹1700
C. ₹1750
D. ₹1800
Answer: B
Solution: SP = 2000 × 85/100 = ₹1700.
8. An article bought for ₹1200 is sold for ₹1080. The loss percentage is:
A. 8%
B. 9%
C. 10%
D. 12%
Answer: C
Solution: Loss = 120. Loss % = (120/1200) × 100 = 10%.
9. Two successive profits of 10% and 20% give a total profit of:
A. 28%
B. 30%
C. 32%
D. 35%
Answer: C
Solution: Total profit = 10 + 20 + (10×20)/100 = 32%.
10. If CP = ₹400 and SP = ₹480, then the profit percentage is:
A. 15%
B. 18%
C. 20%
D. 25%
Answer: C
Solution: Profit = 80. Profit % = 80/400 × 100 = 20%.
More Practice MCQs for Better Preparation
11. Which of the following is the correct formula for loss percentage?
A. Loss/MP × 100
B. Loss/SP × 100
C. Loss/CP × 100
D. Loss/Discount × 100
Answer: C
12. A trader sells an item at cost price. He has:
A. Profit
B. Loss
C. No profit no loss
D. Discount
Answer: C
13. The discount is always calculated on:
A. Cost price
B. Selling price
C. Marked price
D. Profit
Answer: C
14. If an article is sold at 20% loss, then SP is:
A. 80% of CP
B. 120% of CP
C. 20% of CP
D. 100% of CP
Answer: A
15. If an article is sold at 20% profit, then SP is:
A. 80% of CP
B. 100% of CP
C. 120% of CP
D. 20% of CP
Answer: C
30 Profit and Loss MCQs for JKSSB Aspirants
1. A trader buys an article for ₹800 and sells it for ₹920. What is the profit percentage?
A. 12%
B. 15%
C. 18%
D. 20%
Answer: B
Solution:
Profit = 920 - 800 = ₹120
Profit % = (120/800) × 100 = 15%
2. An article is bought for ₹1500 and sold for ₹1350. Find the loss percentage.
A. 8%
B. 10%
C. 12%
D. 15%
Answer: B
Solution:
Loss = 1500 - 1350 = ₹150
Loss % = (150/1500) × 100 = 10%
3. A shopkeeper earns 25% profit by selling an article for ₹500. The cost price is:
A. ₹380
B. ₹400
C. ₹420
D. ₹450
Answer: B
Solution:
CP = 500 × 100/125 = ₹400
4. An article is sold at 20% loss for ₹480. Find its cost price.
A. ₹580
B. ₹600
C. ₹620
D. ₹640
Answer: B
Solution:
CP = 480 × 100/80 = ₹600
5. A trader buys a book for ₹250 and sells it at 40% profit. Find SP.
A. ₹300
B. ₹325
C. ₹350
D. ₹375
Answer: C
Solution:
SP = 250 × 140/100 = ₹350
6. A shirt marked at ₹1200 is sold at 10% discount. Find SP.
A. ₹1060
B. ₹1080
C. ₹1100
D. ₹1120
Answer: B
7. An article marked ₹800 is sold for ₹680. Discount percentage is:
A. 12%
B. 15%
C. 18%
D. 20%
Answer: B
Solution:
Discount = 120
Discount % = (120/800) × 100 = 15%
8. A trader gains 15% by selling an article for ₹690. CP is:
A. ₹580
B. ₹600
C. ₹620
D. ₹650
Answer: B
Solution:
CP = 690 × 100/115 = ₹600
9. A person sells an item for ₹840 at 16% profit. Cost price is:
A. ₹700
B. ₹720
C. ₹740
D. ₹760
Answer: B
Solution:
CP = 840 × 100/116 ≈ ₹724
Closest option = ₹720
10. Profit earned on an article is ₹150 and profit percentage is 25%. CP is:
A. ₹500
B. ₹600
C. ₹700
D. ₹800
Answer: B
Solution:
CP = (150 × 100)/25 = ₹600
11. Loss incurred is ₹90 and loss percentage is 15%. Cost price is:
A. ₹500
B. ₹550
C. ₹600
D. ₹650
Answer: C
12. If CP : SP = 5 : 6, then profit percentage is:
A. 15%
B. 18%
C. 20%
D. 25%
Answer: C
Solution:
Profit = 1
CP = 5
Profit % = (1/5) × 100 = 20%
13. If SP : CP = 4 : 5, then loss percentage is:
A. 15%
B. 18%
C. 20%
D. 25%
Answer: C
14. A trader gives 20% discount on MP ₹5000. SP is:
A. ₹3500
B. ₹3800
C. ₹4000
D. ₹4200
Answer: C
15. An article bought for ₹900 is sold for ₹1080. Profit percentage is:
A. 15%
B. 18%
C. 20%
D. 25%
Answer: C
16. A trader buys an article for ₹1000 and wants 30% profit. Selling price should be:
A. ₹1200
B. ₹1250
C. ₹1300
D. ₹1350
Answer: C
17. A shopkeeper sold a product for ₹450 and incurred 10% loss. Cost price is:
A. ₹480
B. ₹500
C. ₹520
D. ₹540
Answer: B
18. A trader earns 12% profit on an article costing ₹2500. Profit amount is:
A. ₹250
B. ₹280
C. ₹300
D. ₹320
Answer: C
19. Successive profits of 10% and 20% are equal to:
A. 28%
B. 30%
C. 32%
D. 35%
Answer: C
20. Successive losses of 20% and 10% are equal to:
A. 26%
B. 27%
C. 28%
D. 30%
Answer: C
Solution:
20 + 10 − (20×10)/100 = 28%
21. A trader marks goods 50% above CP and gives 10% discount. Profit percentage is:
A. 30%
B. 35%
C. 40%
D. 45%
Answer: B
Solution:
SP = 150 × 90/100 = 135
Profit = 35%
22. An article is sold at 25% profit. If CP increases by 20% and SP remains same, profit percentage becomes:
A. 2%
B. 4.17%
C. 5%
D. 6%
Answer: B
Solution:
Let CP = 100
SP = 125
New CP = 120
Profit = 5
Profit % = 5/120 ×100 = 4.17%
23. A man sells two articles for ₹1000 each. On one he gains 20%, on the other he loses 20%. Overall:
A. No profit no loss
B. 2% profit
C. 4% loss
D. 4% profit
Answer: C
Important Exam Question
24. If MP = ₹2000 and discount = 25%, SP equals:
A. ₹1400
B. ₹1450
C. ₹1500
D. ₹1600
Answer: C
25. A trader uses a 900 g weight instead of 1 kg. Gain percentage is:
A. 10%
B. 11.11%
C. 12.5%
D. 15%
Answer: B
26. A trader marks goods 25% above CP and allows 10% discount. Profit percentage is:
A. 10%
B. 11.5%
C. 12.5%
D. 15%
Answer: C
Solution:
125 × 90/100 = 112.5
Profit = 12.5%
27. A shopkeeper buys an article for ₹600 and sells for ₹750. Profit percentage is:
A. 20%
B. 22%
C. 25%
D. 30%
Answer: C
28. Cost price of 20 articles equals selling price of 16 articles. Profit percentage is:
A. 20%
B. 25%
C. 30%
D. 35%
Answer: B
Solution:
SP/CP = 20/16 = 5/4
Profit = 25%
29. Selling price of 18 articles equals cost price of 24 articles. Loss percentage is:
A. 20%
B. 25%
C. 30%
D. 35%
Answer: B
Solution:
SP/CP = 18/24 = 3/4
Loss = 25%
30. A trader gains 50% by using false weights. He gives:
A. 750 g for 1 kg
B. 800 g for 1 kg
C. 666.67 g for 1 kg
D. 500 g for 1 kg
Answer: C
Solution:
Profit = 50%
1000/Actual Weight = 1.5
Actual Weight = 1000/1.5 = 666.67 g
31. A trader marks an article 40% above the cost price and allows a discount of 10%. His profit percentage is:
A. 20%
B. 24%
C. 26%
D. 30%
Answer: C
Solution:
Let CP = 100
MP = 140
SP = 140 × 90/100 = 126
Profit = 26%
32. An article is sold for ₹1440 after giving a 20% discount on the marked price. Find the marked price.
A. ₹1700
B. ₹1750
C. ₹1800
D. ₹1850
Answer: C
Solution:
MP = 1440 × 100/80 = ₹1800
33. A trader buys an article for ₹1200 and sells it at a profit of ₹180. What is the profit percentage?
A. 12%
B. 15%
C. 18%
D. 20%
Answer: B
34. The cost price of 15 articles is equal to the selling price of 12 articles. Profit percentage is:
A. 20%
B. 25%
C. 30%
D. 35%
Answer: B
Solution:
SP/CP = 15/12 = 5/4
Profit = 25%
35. A man sells an article at 10% loss. Had he sold it for ₹45 more, he would have gained 5%. Find the CP.
A. ₹250
B. ₹280
C. ₹300
D. ₹350
Answer: C
Solution:
Difference = 15% of CP
15% CP = 45
CP = 300
36. A shopkeeper marks goods 25% above CP and sells them at a discount of 4%. Profit percentage is:
A. 18%
B. 20%
C. 22%
D. 24%
Answer: B
Solution:
125 × 96/100 = 120
Profit = 20%
37. An article is sold at a profit of 12%. If CP is ₹2500, SP is:
A. ₹2750
B. ₹2780
C. ₹2800
D. ₹2850
Answer: C
38. A trader purchases 25 pens for ₹500 and sells each pen for ₹24. Profit percentage is:
A. 15%
B. 18%
C. 20%
D. 25%
Answer: C
Solution:
CP per pen = 20
Profit per pen = 4
Profit % = 20%
39. A dealer sold a TV at 8% profit. Had he sold it for ₹120 more, profit would have been 12%. Find CP.
A. ₹2500
B. ₹3000
C. ₹3500
D. ₹4000
Answer: B
Solution:
4% of CP = 120
CP = 3000
40. A trader buys an article for ₹720 and sells it for ₹900. Profit percentage is:
A. 20%
B. 22%
C. 25%
D. 30%
Answer: C
41. A person sells a watch at 15% loss. If SP is ₹1700, CP is:
A. ₹1800
B. ₹1900
C. ₹2000
D. ₹2100
Answer: C
Solution:
CP = 1700 × 100/85 = 2000
42. A trader marks an article at ₹3000 and allows a discount of 12%. If CP is ₹2400, profit percentage is:
A. 8%
B. 10%
C. 12%
D. 15%
Answer: B
Solution:
SP = 3000 × 88/100 = 2640
Profit = 240
Profit % = 10%
43. A man sells an article for ₹460 and gains 15%. Find CP.
A. ₹380
B. ₹390
C. ₹400
D. ₹420
Answer: C
44. Cost price of 10 articles equals selling price of 8 articles. Gain percentage is:
A. 20%
B. 25%
C. 30%
D. 35%
Answer: B
45. Selling price of 6 articles equals cost price of 8 articles. Loss percentage is:
A. 20%
B. 25%
C. 30%
D. 35%
Answer: B
46. A trader marks an article 60% above CP and gives a discount of 25%. Profit percentage is:
A. 18%
B. 20%
C. 22%
D. 25%
Answer: B
Solution:
160 × 75/100 = 120
Profit = 20%
47. A shopkeeper gains 25% on selling an article for ₹625. Cost price is:
A. ₹450
B. ₹500
C. ₹550
D. ₹600
Answer: B
48. If a person loses 20% by selling an article for ₹480, then to earn 20% profit, he should sell it for:
A. ₹700
B. ₹720
C. ₹740
D. ₹760
Answer: B
Solution:
CP = 480 ×100/80 = 600
Required SP = 600 ×120/100 = 720
49. An article is sold at 25% profit. If the CP increases by 25% but SP remains unchanged, the seller will:
A. Gain 5%
B. Lose 5%
C. Break even
D. Lose 10%
Answer: C
Solution:
CP =100
SP=125
New CP=125
No profit, no loss
50. A trader buys 50 kg sugar at ₹40 per kg and sells it at ₹48 per kg. Total profit is:
A. ₹300
B. ₹350
C. ₹400
D. ₹450
Answer: C
51. A trader sold an article at 20% profit. If the SP is increased by ₹60, profit becomes 30%. Find CP.
A. ₹500
B. ₹600
C. ₹700
D. ₹800
Answer: B
Solution:
10% CP = 60
CP = 600
52. An article marked ₹5000 is sold at two successive discounts of 10% and 20%. Selling price is:
A. ₹3500
B. ₹3600
C. ₹3700
D. ₹3800
Answer: B
Solution:
5000 × 90/100 × 80/100 = 3600
53. A person buys an article for ₹1600 and spends ₹200 on transportation. He sells it for ₹2160. Profit percentage is:
A. 18%
B. 20%
C. 22%
D. 25%
Answer: B
Solution:
Total CP = 1800
Profit = 360
Profit % = 20%
54. A trader gains 10% by selling an article. If he had purchased it 10% cheaper and sold at the same price, profit would be:
A. 20%
B. 21%
C. 22.22%
D. 25%
Answer: C
55. A man buys a cycle for ₹4000 and spends ₹500 on repairs. He sells it for ₹5400. Profit percentage is:
A. 18%
B. 20%
C. 22%
D. 25%
Answer: B
56. An article sold for ₹960 gives a loss of 20%. To earn 20% profit, it should be sold for:
A. ₹1320
B. ₹1380
C. ₹1440
D. ₹1500
Answer: C
Solution:
CP = 960 ×100/80 = 1200
Required SP = 1200 ×120/100 = 1440
57. A trader marks goods 100% above CP and gives 25% discount. Profit percentage is:
A. 40%
B. 45%
C. 50%
D. 55%
Answer: C
Solution:
200 ×75/100 = 150
Profit = 50%
58. A trader buys an article for ₹750 and sells it for ₹825. Gain percentage is:
A. 8%
B. 10%
C. 12%
D. 15%
Answer: B
59. A shopkeeper earns 20% profit after giving a 20% discount. By what percent above CP was the article marked?
A. 40%
B. 45%
C. 50%
D. 60%
Answer: C
Solution:
Let CP =100
SP =120
MP ×80% =120
MP =150
Markup =50%
60. A trader sells an article for ₹1840 at a gain of 15%. What is the cost price?
A. ₹1500
B. ₹1550
C. ₹1600
D. ₹1650
Answer: C
Solution:
CP = 1840 ×100/115 = ₹1600
61. A trader buys an article for ₹1800 and sells it for ₹2070. Find the profit percentage.
A. 12%
B. 15%
C. 18%
D. 20%
Answer: B
Solution:
Profit = 2070 − 1800 = ₹270
Profit % = (270/1800) × 100 = 15%
62. A shopkeeper sold an article for ₹1710 at a profit of 14%. Find the cost price.
A. ₹1450
B. ₹1500
C. ₹1550
D. ₹1600
Answer: B
Solution:
CP = 1710 × 100/114 = ₹1500
63. A trader marks an article 80% above cost price and gives a discount of 20%. What is his profit percentage?
A. 40%
B. 42%
C. 44%
D. 48%
Answer: C
Solution:
Let CP = 100
MP = 180
SP = 180 × 80/100 = 144
Profit = 44%
64. A man purchased 40 notebooks for ₹1200 and sold all of them for ₹36 each. His profit percentage is:
A. 15%
B. 18%
C. 20%
D. 25%
Answer: C
Solution:
Total SP = 40 × 36 = 1440
Profit = 240
Profit % = 20%
65. An article sold for ₹2760 gives a profit of 15%. What would be the SP for a profit of 25%?
A. ₹2880
B. ₹3000
C. ₹3120
D. ₹3250
Answer: B
Solution:
CP = 2760 ×100/115 = 2400
New SP = 2400 ×125/100 = ₹3000
66. A trader sells an article at 12% loss. If the selling price is ₹880, find the cost price.
A. ₹950
B. ₹1000
C. ₹1050
D. ₹1100
Answer: B
67. Cost price of 18 articles equals selling price of 15 articles. Find gain percentage.
A. 18%
B. 20%
C. 22%
D. 25%
Answer: B
Solution:
SP/CP = 18/15 = 6/5
Profit = 20%
68. A dealer marks an article at ₹3600 and allows 15% discount. If CP is ₹2805, profit percentage is:
A. 8.5%
B. 9%
C. 9.1%
D. 10%
Answer: B
Solution:
SP = 3600 × 85/100 = 3060
Profit = 255
Profit % = 255/2805 ×100 ≈ 9.09%
69. A trader buys an article for ₹2500 and spends ₹250 on packing. He sells it for ₹3300. Profit percentage is:
A. 18%
B. 20%
C. 22%
D. 24%
Answer: B
Solution:
Total CP = 2750
Profit = 550
Profit % = 20%
70. If a person gains 30% by selling an article for ₹780, then the cost price is:
A. ₹550
B. ₹580
C. ₹600
D. ₹620
Answer: C
71. A trader marks an article 50% above CP and gives successive discounts of 10% and 10%. Profit percentage is:
A. 20%
B. 21.5%
C. 22%
D. 23%
Answer: B
Solution:
150 × 90/100 × 90/100 = 121.5
Profit = 21.5%
72. An article is sold for ₹2520 at a loss of 10%. What should be the SP to earn 20% profit?
A. ₹3200
B. ₹3300
C. ₹3360
D. ₹3400
Answer: C
Solution:
CP = 2520 ×100/90 = 2800
Required SP = 2800 ×120/100 = 3360
73. A trader buys 100 eggs at ₹4 each. If 10 eggs break and the remaining are sold at ₹5 each, profit or loss is:
A. ₹40 profit
B. ₹50 profit
C. ₹50 loss
D. ₹40 loss
Answer: B
Solution:
CP = ₹400
SP = 90 × 5 = ₹450
Profit = ₹50
74. Selling price of 25 articles equals cost price of 30 articles. Find loss percentage.
A. 14%
B. 16.67%
C. 18%
D. 20%
Answer: B
75. A trader earns 8% profit on an article. If the cost price is reduced by 10% and SP remains same, new profit percentage is:
A. 18%
B. 20%
C. 22%
D. 24%
Answer: B
Solution:
Let CP =100
SP =108
New CP =90
Profit =18
Profit %=20%
76. An article bought for ₹4200 is sold at a loss of ₹630. Find loss percentage.
A. 12%
B. 15%
C. 18%
D. 20%
Answer: B
77. A trader marks goods 75% above CP and gives 20% discount. Profit percentage is:
A. 35%
B. 38%
C. 40%
D. 42%
Answer: C
Solution:
175 ×80/100 =140
Profit=40%
78. A person sells a camera at 25% gain for ₹6250. What was its cost price?
A. ₹4800
B. ₹5000
C. ₹5200
D. ₹5400
Answer: B
79. A dealer sold a table at 5% loss. Had he sold it for ₹190 more, he would have gained 5%. Cost price is:
A. ₹1800
B. ₹1900
C. ₹2000
D. ₹2100
Answer: B
Solution:
10% CP = 190
CP = 1900
80. A trader buys an article for ₹960 and sells it at 37.5% profit. Selling price is:
A. ₹1280
B. ₹1300
C. ₹1320
D. ₹1350
Answer: C
Solution:
37.5% = 3/8
Profit = 360
SP = 1320
81. A person gains 16⅔% on selling an article. If CP is ₹720, SP is:
A. ₹810
B. ₹820
C. ₹840
D. ₹850
Answer: C
Solution:
16⅔% = 1/6
Profit =120
SP=840
82. An article marked ₹6400 is sold after two discounts of 20% and 25%. Selling price is:
A. ₹3800
B. ₹3840
C. ₹3900
D. ₹4000
Answer: B
83. Cost price of 14 articles equals selling price of 12 articles. Gain percentage is:
A. 14%
B. 16⅔%
C. 18%
D. 20%
Answer: B
84. A trader buys a machine for ₹12000 and spends ₹1000 on transport and installation. He sells it for ₹15600. Profit percentage is:
A. 18%
B. 20%
C. 22%
D. 25%
Answer: B
85. A shopkeeper gives 5% discount on MP and still earns 14% profit. Marked price is what percent above CP?
A. 18%
B. 20%
C. 22%
D. 24%
Answer: B
Solution:
114/95 ×100 =120
Markup=20%
86. A trader loses 12.5% on selling an article for ₹875. Find CP.
A. ₹950
B. ₹1000
C. ₹1050
D. ₹1100
Answer: B
87. If SP is 125% of CP, then profit percentage is:
A. 20%
B. 22%
C. 25%
D. 30%
Answer: C
88. A trader purchases an article for ₹3500 and sells it at ₹4025. Gain percentage is:
A. 12%
B. 15%
C. 18%
D. 20%
Answer: B
89. A trader buys 60 kg wheat at ₹25/kg and sells at ₹30/kg. Total gain is:
A. ₹250
B. ₹300
C. ₹350
D. ₹400
Answer: B
90. An article sold for ₹1610 results in 15% loss. Cost price is:
A. ₹1800
B. ₹1850
C. ₹1890
D. ₹1900
Answer: D
91. A trader marks goods 120% above CP and gives 30% discount. Profit percentage is:
A. 50%
B. 52%
C. 54%
D. 56%
Answer: C
Solution:
220 ×70/100 =154
Profit=54%
92. A person bought an article for ₹2400 and sold it for ₹2880. Profit percentage is:
A. 18%
B. 20%
C. 22%
D. 25%
Answer: B
93. Cost price of 9 articles equals selling price of 8 articles. Gain percentage is:
A. 10%
B. 12.5%
C. 15%
D. 18%
Answer: B
94. Selling price of 21 articles equals cost price of 24 articles. Loss percentage is:
A. 10%
B. 12.5%
C. 15%
D. 18%
Answer: B
95. A trader gains 40% after giving a discount of 12.5%. Marked price is what percent above CP?
A. 50%
B. 55%
C. 60%
D. 65%
Answer: C
Solution:
140 ÷ 87.5 ×100 =160
Markup=60%
96. A trader sold an article at ₹4140 and earned 15% profit. Cost price is:
A. ₹3500
B. ₹3600
C. ₹3700
D. ₹3800
Answer: B
97. A person gains 33⅓% by selling an article. If SP is ₹800, CP is:
A. ₹580
B. ₹600
C. ₹620
D. ₹640
Answer: B
98. A trader buys 80 oranges for ₹400. He sells them at ₹6 each. Profit percentage is:
A. 15%
B. 18%
C. 20%
D. 25%
Answer: C
Solution:
SP = 480
Profit = 80
Profit % = 20%
99. A dealer sold an article at 18% profit. Had he sold it for ₹72 less, he would have gained 12%. Cost price is:
A. ₹900
B. ₹1000
C. ₹1200
D. ₹1500
Answer: C
Solution:
6% CP =72
CP =1200
100. A trader buys an article for ₹5000 and marks it 40% above cost. After giving a discount of 10%, his profit is:
A. ₹1200
B. ₹1300
C. ₹1400
D. ₹1500
Answer: B
Solution:
MP = 7000
SP = 7000 ×90/100 = 6300
Profit = 1300
Final Formula Snapshot
| Formula | Expression |
|---|---|
| Profit | SP - CP |
| Loss | CP - SP |
| Profit % | Profit/CP × 100 |
| Loss % | Loss/CP × 100 |
| Discount | MP - SP |
| Discount % | Discount/MP × 100 |
| SP at profit | CP × (100 + p)/100 |
| SP at loss | CP × (100 - l)/100 |
