Profit-loss is the highest-weightage arithmetic topic. Master the formulas, traps, and 5 PYQ patterns that appear every year.
4–6 questions every Tier-1, every year. It's the most predictable arithmetic topic — and one of the easiest to master.
Profit = SP − CP; Loss = CP − SP Profit% = (Profit / CP) × 100 SP = CP × (1 + profit%/100) CP = SP × 100 / (100 + profit%)
Two discounts a%, b% → net discount = a + b − ab/100 Three discounts: combine two first, then combine with the third.
CP → marked up x% → MP → discount y% → SP. Find profit%. Method: Assume CP = 100. MP = 100 + x. SP = MP × (100−y)/100.
One at x% profit, one at x% loss → always net loss of (x²/100)%.
Uses 900g instead of 1kg, sells at MP → profit = (100/900) × 100 = 11.11%.
The ₹X corresponds to the % change. CP = X × 100 / y.
Classic "SP of 10 = CP of 8" → profit% = (10−8)/8 × 100 = 25%.
Using SP instead of CP as the base for profit% Adding successive discounts instead of multiplying Computing weight-cheating profit on 1000 instead of 900
For successive discount problems, assume CP = 100 and compute SP directly — no algebra needed.
Day 1–3: Memorise all 5 patterns + formulas Day 4–7: Solve 30 problems of each pattern Week 2: SSCIntel mixed-topic practice + 1 sectional mock/day
Within 2 weeks you'll bank 8–12 marks from this topic alone.
More SSC preparation guides · Take a free mock test · Plans and pricing