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A person buys some oranges at the rate of 3 for ₹1 and an equal number of oranges at the rate of 2 for ₹1. At what price per dozen should he sell them to gain a 20% profit?
₹7
₹4
₹5
₹6
₹6
Assume the number of oranges bought of each type is the LCM of 3 and 2 (which is 6). Total oranges = 12. Calculate total CP, find total SP for 20% profit, and scale to 1 dozen (12 oranges).
CP of 1st type = ₹1 for 3 oranges. CP of 2nd type = ₹1 for 2 oranges. Quantities are equal. Desired profit = 20%.
SP=CP×(1+100Profit%)
Assume the number of oranges bought of each type is the LCM of 3 and 2 (which is 6). Total oranges = 12. Calculate total CP, find total SP for 20% profit, and scale to 1 dozen (12 oranges).
Finding the selling price for 1 orange instead of 1 dozen (12 oranges) as asked in the question.
Assume total quantity using LCM
Let the number of oranges bought of each type be equal to the LCM of 3 and 2, which is 6 oranges of each type. Total oranges bought = 6+6=12 oranges (1 dozen).
LCM(3,2)=6
Calculate Total Cost Price (CP)
Cost of 6 oranges at the rate of ₹1 for 3 is 36=₹2. Cost of 6 oranges at the rate of ₹1 for 2 is 26=₹3. Total CP=2+3=₹5.
Total CP=₹2+₹3=₹5 for 12 oranges
Calculate Required Selling Price (SP) for 20% Profit
To gain a 20% profit on the total cost price of ₹5, calculate the required selling price using the profit formula: SP=CP×(1+Profit%/100).
SP=5×(1+10020)=5×56=₹6
D is correct because the total cost price of 1 dozen (12) oranges is ₹5, and to achieve a 20% profit, the selling price per dozen must be ₹6.
This LCM technique can also be applied to problems involving mixture and alligation where items are mixed in equal proportions.