Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: ₹ 862.50
Explanation:
Introduction / Context: When selling expenses are given as a percentage of cost, the true effective cost equals purchase cost plus selling expenses. The desired profit should be computed on this effective cost to find the total selling price needed.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach: Effective cost = Net purchase + Selling expenses. Required total SP = Effective cost * 1.25. This gives the minimum total revenue to achieve the stated profit over all cost components.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Selling expenses = 0.15 * 600 = 90 Effective cost = 600 + 90 = 690 Required SP_total = 690 * 1.25 = 862.50 Therefore, the seller must charge ₹ 862.50 for 100 pens in totalVerification / Alternative check: Profit = 862.50 − 690 = 172.50 ⇒ 172.50/690 * 100 = 25%.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: 802.50 and 811.25 fall short of a 25% margin on effective cost; 875 overshoots slightly; 840 does not match 25% exactly.
Common Pitfalls: Computing 25% profit on net purchase only (ignoring selling expenses), which would understate the true required selling price.
Final Answer: ₹ 862.50
Discussion & Comments