The cost prices of Articles P and Q are in the ratio of 5 : 8, and both are marked 25% above their respective cost prices. If the selling prices of both articles are equal to Rs 300, with Article P sold at a profit of Rs 50 and Article Q sold at a loss of 20%, find the discount percentage allowed on Article P (approx.).

Cost price of P : Cost price of Q = 5 : 8 Both are marked 25% above their respective cost prices
Selling price of both P and Q = Rs 300 Article P sold at a profit of Rs 50 ⇒ Cost price of P = 300 − 50 = Rs 250 Article Q sold at a loss of 20% ⇒ Cost price of Q = 300 / (1 − 0.20) = Rs 375 Let, Cost price of P = 5x
Cost price of Q = 8x ⇒ 5x = 250
⇒ x = 50 So, Cost price of P = 5 × 50 = Rs 250 Marked price of P = 250 × 1.25 = Rs 312.5 Selling price of P = Rs 300 Discount = 312.5 − 300 = Rs 12.5 Discount % = (12.5 / 312.5) × 100 = 4% (approx.)