A person sold a table at a profit of 15%. If he had bought it for 25% less and then sold it for ₹60 less than his original selling price, he would have made a profit of 32%. What was the original cost price of the table?

Introduction / Context:We are given two linked scenarios: the actual sale (15% gain on the true cost) and a hypothetical case where both the cost and selling price change, producing a different profit percentage. Expressing all prices in terms of the original cost allows us to form one linear equation and solve for the original cost price (CP).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Original CP = x; original SP = 1.15x
• Alternate CP′ = 0.75x (25% less)
• Alternate SP′ = original SP − ₹60 = 1.15x − 60
• Alternate profit% = 32% on CP′ ⇒ SP′ = 1.32 * CP′ = 1.32 * 0.75x = 0.99x

Concept / Approach:Equate the two expressions for SP′ to eliminate SP′ and obtain a single equation in x. This is a common “what if” profit-and-loss transformation technique.

Step-by-Step Solution:1.15x − 60 = 0.99x0.16x = 60 ⇒ x = 60 / 0.16 = ₹375

Verification / Alternative check:Original sale: SP = 1.15 * 375 = ₹431.25. Alternate: CP′ = 0.75 * 375 = ₹281.25 and SP′ = 431.25 − 60 = ₹371.25; profit% = (371.25 − 281.25)/281.25 * 100 = 32% — consistent.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:₹300/₹350/₹400 do not satisfy the exact 32% condition after the stipulated changes.

Common Pitfalls:Applying the 25% reduction to the selling price instead of cost; mixing up which price is reduced by ₹60; rounding too early.

Final Answer:₹ 375