Question
CSATMediumPrelims 2025Maths

The price (p) of a commodity is first increased by k%, then decreased by k%; again increased by k%, and again decreased by k%. If the new price is q, then what is the relation between p and q?

Explanation

Each change by k% multiplies price by:

  • Increase by k% → factor = (100+k)100\frac{(100 + k)}{100}
  • Decrease by k% → factor = (100k)100\frac{(100 - k)}{100}

Over four steps (↑k, ↓k, ↑k, ↓k): q = p × [(100+k)100×(100k)100]2[\frac{(100 + k)}{100} × \frac{(100 - k)}{100}]^2 = p × [(10000k2)10000]2[\frac{(10000 - k^2)}{10000}]^2 = p × (10000k2)2108\frac{(10000 - k^2)^2}{10^8}

Rearranging: q × 10810^8 = p × (104k2)2(10^4 - k^2)^2 ⇒ p(104k2)2(10^4 - k^2)^2 = q × 10810^8

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