1953 AMC 12 Problem 16

Attempt Problem 16 of the 1953 AMC 12 below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 1953 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

16.

Adams plans a profit of 10%10\% on the selling price of an article and his expenses are 15%15\% of sales. The rate of mark-up on an article that sells for $5.00\$5.00 is:
20%20\%
25%25\%
30%30\%
3313%33\dfrac13\%
35%35\%
Answer: D
Concepts:markupprofitexpensespercentage
Small hint:
Subtract both profit and expenses from the selling price to recover the cost
Big hint:
The cost is 75%75\% of the selling price
Solution:
Profit and expenses are 10%+15%=25%10\%+15\%=25\% of sales, so the cost is 75%75\% of the selling price. The markup as a fraction of cost is 25%75%=13=3313%. \frac{25\%}{75\%}=\frac13=33\frac13\%.
Thus, the correct answer is D.
LIVE by Po-Shen Loh
Programs

LIVE Classes

Self-Paced Classes

Stars

Scholarship

About Us

Who Is Po-Shen Loh?

Email Contact

Newsletter

Jobs

Become a Star

For a more Thought Full world.

© 2026 Expii, Inc.