A seller sells two tables at ₹1500 each, making 20% profit on one and 20% loss on the other. What is the net result on the overall deal?

Introduction / Context:
Selling two items at the same selling price with equal profit and loss percentages leads to an overall loss, not break-even. This is a classic result due to different cost prices. We compute total cost and compare with total selling price.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• SP of each table = ₹1500.
• One at 20% profit; one at 20% loss.

Concept / Approach:
Compute the individual cost prices (CP) from SP and profit/loss percentage. Then sum the CPs to get total cost. Sum SPs to get total SP. Compare to find overall profit or loss percentage relative to total CP.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Equal and opposite percentages around the same SP do not cancel because the CPs are unequal; the product (1.20)*(0.80) = 0.96 shows a 4% net loss effect.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 4% profit, 10% loss/profit: Contrary to the computation; the exact effect is 4% loss.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming profit and loss cancel to zero, or averaging the percentages arithmetically without considering different bases.

Final Answer: