Two third of a consignment was sold at a profit of 5% and the remainder at a loss of 2%. If the total profit was Rs. 400, the value of the consignment (in rupees) was :

The best way is to go through option. Consider option (a)
Total profit = 15000 x ( 2 / 3 ) x 5 %
= 15000 x ( 2 / 3 ) x ( 5 / 100) = 500
Total loss = 15000 x ( 1 / 3 ) x 2 %
= 5000 x ( 1 / 3 ) x ( 2 / 100) = 100
Net gain = ( 500 - 100 ) = Rs. 400
Hence: option (a) is correct.
Alternatively : [( 1.05 X 2x/3 + 0.98 x/3) - x] = 400
∴ x=15000