The marked price of an article is Rs. 520 and the selling price is Rs. 384.80. What is the discount percentage given on the article?

Introduction / Context:
This question is a straightforward application of the discount percentage formula based on marked price and selling price. It checks basic comfort with percentage reduction calculations in a shopping or profit and loss context.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Marked price (MP) of the article = Rs. 520.
• Selling price (SP) of the article = Rs. 384.80.
• Required: discount percentage on the marked price.

Concept / Approach:
Discount is the reduction from marked price to selling price. Discount amount is MP minus SP, and discount percentage is (discount / MP) * 100. The formula always uses marked price as the base, not the selling price.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Marked price MP = 520.Selling price SP = 384.80.Discount amount = MP - SP = 520 - 384.80 = 135.20.Discount percentage = (discount / MP) * 100.So discount percentage = (135.20 / 520) * 100.Compute the fraction: 135.20 / 520 = 0.26.Therefore, discount percentage = 0.26 * 100 = 26 percent.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can check by reversing the percentage. If the discount is 26 percent on Rs. 520, the discount amount should be 0.26 * 520 = Rs. 135.20 and selling price should be 520 - 135.20 = Rs. 384.80, which matches the given selling price. This confirms the calculation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Values like 24.42, 35.13 and 29 represent incorrect ratios of the discount to the marked price. They arise from calculation mistakes such as dividing by selling price instead of marked price or by making rounding errors.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students mistakenly divide the discount amount by the selling price to compute the discount percentage. Others may approximate the values too early and lose accuracy. Always use marked price as the base for discount percentage and perform division carefully.

Final Answer:
The discount percentage allowed on the article is 26 percent.