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)?
Aptitude
Percentage
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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ALoss of 16%
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BGain of 15%
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CLoss of 15.52%
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DGain of 15.48%
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ELoss of 12.48%
Answer
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%