Shopkeeper Puzzle : Profit or Loss?
Profit or Loss of Shopkeeper?
This is a shopkeeper puzzle: profit or loss? The premise, rule, and objective are given. Read it carefully and then go through the solution carefully.
Premise – A lady buys goods worth Rs 200 from a shop, whose shopkeeper is selling the goods with zero profit. The lady gives him a Rs 1000 note. The shopkeeper gets the change from the next shop, keeps Rs 200 for himself, and returns Rs 800 to the lady.
Rule – Later the shopkeeper of the next shop comes with the Rs 1000 note saying “fake note” and takes his money back.
Objective – How much of a loss or profit did the shopkeeper take?
Solution
As per the given premise let us assume that the shopkeeper has Rs.1000 currency extra with his Rs.200 worth of goods.
Step 1:
Shopkeeper = Rs 200 worth goods + Rs.1000 Original Currency
Lady = Rs.1000 fake currency
Neighbor = Rs.1000 as changes
Step 2:
Shopkeeper = Rs.1000 fake currency + Rs.1000 Original Currency
Lady = Rs 200 worth goods
Neighbor = Rs.1000 as changes
Step 3:
Shopkeeper = Rs.1000 as changes + Rs.1000 Original Currency
Lady = Rs 200 worth goods
Neighbor = Rs.1000 fake currency
Step 4:
Shopkeeper = Rs 200 + Rs.1000 Original Currency
Lady = Rs 200 worth goods + Rs.800
Neighbor = Rs.1000 fake currency
Step 5:
Shopkeeper = Rs 200 + Rs.1000 fake currency
Lady = Rs 200 worth goods + Rs.800
Neighbor = Rs.1000 Original Currency
Now, when we compare Step 1 and Step 5, the lady changed her Rs.1000 fake currency into goods and currency of total worth Rs.1000. Therefore, the shopkeeper changed his original Rs.1000 currency into a fake currency.
Hence, the shopkeeper faces a loss which is Rs.1000.
To practice similar puzzles, visit our Top 100 Puzzles Page for Interview Preparation.
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