A merchant has 2000 kg of sugar, part of which he sells at 16% profit and the rest at 36% profit. He gains 28% on the whole. The quantity sold at 36% profit is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 1200 kg
The 28% profit on the whole is the weighted average of 16% and 36%, so alligation gives the ratio of the two parts.
Part at 16% \(\propto 36-28=8\)
Part at 36% \(\propto 28-16=12\)
Ratio \(=8:12=2:3\)
Part at 36% \(\displaystyle =\frac{3}{5}\times2000=1200\) kg
The quantity sold at 36% profit is 1200 kg.