Revenue impact of simultaneous decreases: Due to low rainfall, the land price drops by 12% and its production falls by 4%. What is the overall percentage change in revenue (price × production)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Loss of 15.52%

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Revenue equals price multiplied by quantity. When both price and output change, multiply their factors to get total revenue change.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Price decrease = 12% ⇒ factor = 0.88.
  • Production decrease = 4% ⇒ factor = 0.96.
  • Revenue factor = 0.88 * 0.96.

Concept / Approach:
Overall percentage change = (combined factor − 1) * 100%. Product of factors captures simultaneous effects.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Revenue factor = 0.88 * 0.96 = 0.8448.Percentage change = (0.8448 − 1) * 100% = −15.52%.Hence, revenue falls by 15.52%.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the approximation formula: net % ≈ −12% + −4% + (−12%)*(−4%)/100 = −16% + 0.48% = −15.52%, exactly matching.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Loss of 16% ignores the positive cross-term.
  • Gains are impossible since both factors fell.
  • Loss of 12.48% is an arbitrary mismatch.

Common Pitfalls:
Adding percentage changes directly without the interaction term; simultaneous changes require multiplying factors.


Final Answer:
Loss of 15.52%

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