If the price of an item is first increased by 10 per cent and then decreased by 10 per cent, the net effect is

  • A. no change
  • B. a 1 per cent decrease
  • C. a 1 per cent increase
  • D. a 10 per cent decrease

Explanation

Starting at 100, a 10 per cent rise gives 110, and a 10 per cent fall on 110 removes 11, leaving 99, so the net change is a loss of 1 per cent. The decrease is larger in absolute terms because it is calculated on a larger base. Successive percentage changes never simply cancel.

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