Question

A merchant buys a number of oranges at $3$ for $10$ cents and an equal number at $5$ for $20$ cents. To "break even" he must sell all at:

• A. $8$ for $30$ cents
• B. $3$ for $11$ cents
• C. $5$ for $18$ cents
• D. $11$ for $40$ cents
• E. $13$ for $50$ cents

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$3$ for $11$ cents

Let n be the number bought at each price, and x be the selling price of each. $2nx=\left(10n/3\right)+4n;\therefore x=11/3,$ that is, $3$ for $11$ cents.