Directions: Each of the questions given below consists of a statement and/or a question and two statements numbered I and II given below it. You have to decide whether the data provided in the statement(s) is/are sufficient to answer the question. Read both the statements and Give answer (a) if the data in Statement I alone are sufficient to answer the question, while the data in Statement II alone are not sufficient to answer the question; Give answer (b) if the data in Statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question, while the data in Statement I alone are not sufficient to answer the question; Give answer (c) if the data either in Statement I or in Statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question; Give answer (d) if the data even in both Statements I and II together are not sufficient to answer the question; Give answer (e) if the data in both Statements I and II together are necessary to answer the question. What is the amount of profit earned? (Bank P.O., 2006) I. 20% profit is earned by selling an article for ₹ 1740. II. Cost price of the article is ₹ 1450.

### Concept & Logic To find the absolute amount of profit, we need either the Profit Percentage and Selling/Cost Price, or both the Selling Price and Cost Price. $$ \text{Profit} = \text{SP} - \text{CP} $$ ### Step-by-Step Solution We need to find the total profit amount. Evaluating Statement I: - It states a $20\%$ profit is earned by selling an article for ₹ 1740. - Here, SP = ₹ 1740 and Profit = $20\%$. - We can find the cost price using the formula: $\text{CP} = \frac{\text{SP}}{1 + \text{Profit \%}} = \frac{1740}{1.20} = 1450$. - Profit = $1740 - 1450 = \text{₹ } 290$. - Thus, Statement I alone is sufficient. Evaluating Statement II: - It states the Cost price is ₹ 1450. - Without knowing the Selling Price or the Profit Percentage, we cannot determine the profit amount. - Thus, Statement II alone is insufficient. ### Exam Strategy & Shortcut Data Sufficiency questions do not require you to calculate the final answer, just to verify if calculation is possible. Statement I gives SP and Profit %, which strictly determines all other variables (CP and Profit Amount). Statement II gives only CP, which is a dead end on its own. ### Common Pitfall Bringing outside assumptions into the statements. You cannot assume the 20% profit from the previous question applies to this one, nor can you combine Statements I and II unless evaluating option (e) or (d). ### Final Answer Therefore, the correct answer is **if the data in Statement I alone are sufficient to answer the question, while the data in Statement II alone are not sufficient to answer the question;**.