Profit and Loss is the most important topic in quantitative section of all the job entrance exams. This page here on contains Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for Profit and Loss questions.
Cost PriceThe price at which product or commodity have been bought known as Cost Price.
Selling PriceThe price at which a product or service is sold to the known as Selling Price.
Some Important Points:
The profit and loss concept play and important and fundamental role in realm of accounting.
Here in tips and tricks and shortcuts of profit and loss will definitely help in the solving the questions very efficiently.
First learn the the formulas and how to find Profit and Loss on this page here.
8 out of 10 Questions in any exam will be one of the following formats –
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Shortcuts to solve questions of Profit & Loss
Type 1 Problem- Seller has two Articles for same price, but first article is sold at x% profit and other at x% loss. Total Profit/Loss incurred by him is not 0%
Way to solve this question is –
Apply direct formula Loss = ( \frac{x}{10})2%
Proof with example -> Let us assume the articles were sold at Rs1200, and 20% profit in case 1 is made and 20% loss in case 2 is made.
Also from direct formula above = ( \frac{20}{10})2
In such cases always, loss is incurred.
Type 2 Problem- Where no CP or SP is given. But whole concept is about Percentages.
Way to Solve Type 2 Questions
Assume the CP to be 100 and then solve the whole problem.
Example. In a transaction, the profit percentage is 80% of the cost. If the cost further increases by 20% but the selling price remains the same, how much is the decrease in profit percentage?
Let us assume CP = Rs. 100.
Then Profit = Rs. 80 and selling price = Rs. 180.
The cost increases by 20% → New CP = Rs. 120, SP = Rs. 180.
Profit % = \frac{60}{120} * 100 = 50%.
Therefore, Profit decreases by 30%.
Type 3 Problem- There are two Articles and you have to calculate total loss or profit.
Way to solve type 3 Problem
Now these problems are generally easy. But the whole point of solving is not to even use a pen and solve in 20 seconds.
Example. A man bought some toys at the rate of 10 for Rs. 40 and sold them at 12 for Rs. 60. Find his gain or loss percent
Cost price of 10 toys = Rs. 40 → CP of 1 toy = Rs. 4.
Selling price of 12 toys = Rs. 60 → SP of 1 toy = Rs. \frac{160}{12} = 5
Therefore, Gain = 5 – 4 = 1.
Gain percent = \frac{1}{4}\times 100 = 25%
Now in your mind you must do value 4 and 5 and \frac{1}{4} = 25%.
Type 4 Problem- CP of y items is same as SP of x items and Profit or Loss of some percentage is made.
Way to solve type 4 Question
The cost price of 10 pens is the same as the selling price of n pens. If there is a loss of 40%, approximately what is the value of n?
Example. Shopkeeper bought a product for Rs1000 per kg and is selling that at the same price. However he uses, a weighing scale that gives scale of 1kg for every 800gms. What is his profit?
Case-2: When dealer reduces weight in terms of percentage and earns profit
Example: A shopkeeper sells an item at a profit of 20 % and uses a weight which is 20% less. Find his total profit.
Applying the first formula
( \frac{20+20}{100 – 20}) × 100 = 50%
Case-3:When dealer sells goods at loss on cost price but uses less weight.
Note :- profit or loss will be decided according to sign . If +ive it is profit ,if –ve it is loss. Example: A dishonest dealer sells goods at 10% loss on cost price but uses 20% less weight. Calculate profit or loss percent.
Solution: Apply formula: Case 2 Formula
\left ( \frac{20-10}{100-20} \right )x 100
= \frac{25}{2}%
Here sign is positive so there is a profit of 12.5%
Case 4
Example: A dishonest dealer sells products at 10% loss on cost price but uses 2 gm instead of 4 gm . what is his profit or loss percent?
Solution:
Apply formula :
[100-10] \frac{4}{2}-100 = 80%
Case 4
Note :- Profit or loss will be decided according to sign. If +ive it is profit ,if –ve it is loss .
Example: A shopkeeper uses 940 gm in place of one kg. He sells it at 4% profit. What will be the overall profit or loss?
Solve this on your own, answer is 10.6%
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