Cash vs. credit sale with interest: A man buys a watch for Rs. 195 in cash and sells it for Rs. 220 on 1-year credit. If the simple interest rate is 10% per annum, does he gain or lose, and by how much (in rupees)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Gains Rs. 5

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
To fairly compare a cash purchase with a credit sale involving a stated interest rate, convert the credit sale price to its present worth (discounted value) and compare with the cash cost. The difference shows the real profit or loss.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Cash cost price (CP) = Rs. 195.
  • Credit sale price after 1 year = Rs. 220.
  • Interest rate r = 10% per annum; time t = 1 year.


Concept / Approach:
Present worth PW of the credit price = Future value / (1 + r t). Profit = PW − CP. If positive, it is a gain; if negative, a loss.


Step-by-Step Solution:

PW of Rs. 220 due in 1 year = 220 / (1 + 0.10) = Rs. 200.Real gain = PW − CP = 200 − 195 = Rs. 5.


Verification / Alternative check:
If the buyer invested Rs. 195 at 10%, it would become Rs. 214.5 in a year. Selling effectively for PW Rs. 200 shows a modest gain over CP; the problem, however, uses PW directly as the benchmark.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rs. 15 and Rs. 3 do not match the present-worth calculation; “Loses” options invert the sign incorrectly.


Common Pitfalls:
Comparing 220 directly to 195 without discounting; using the interest on CP rather than discounting the credit price to present.


Final Answer:
Gains Rs. 5

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