Q. Two persons P and Q enter into a business. P puts ₹14,000 more than Q, but P has invested for 8 months and Q has invested for 10 months. If P’s share is ₹400 more than Q’s share out of the total profit of ₹2,000, what is the capital contributed by P?
a) ₹30,000
b) ₹26,000
c) ₹24,000
d) ₹20,000
Correct answer: a) ₹30,000
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT
Explanation :
Two persons P and Q
Let’s approach this problem step by step:
1) Let’s say Q’s investment is x.
Then, P’s investment is x + 14,000.
2) We know that profit is proportional to both the amount invested and the time of investment.
So, we can set up an equation:
P’s share : Q’s share = (x + 14,000) * 8 : x * 10
3) We’re told that P’s share is ₹400 more than Q’s share out of a total profit of ₹2,000.
So, P’s share = 1200 and Q’s share = 800.
4) Now we can set up the proportion:
1200 : 800 = (x + 14,000) * 8 : x * 10
5) Cross multiply:
1200 * 10x = 800 * (8x + 112,000)
12000x = 6400x + 89,600,000
6) Solve for x:
5600x = 89,600,000
x = 16,000
7) Remember, x is Q’s investment. We need to find P’s investment:
P’s investment = x + 14,000 = 16,000 + 14,000 = 30,000
Therefore, the capital contributed by P is ₹30,000.
The correct answer is a) ₹30,000.