14. A store sold a Brand A computer for 3 × as much as it sold a Brand B computer. The store's gross profit on the Brand A computer was 80 percent of the price that the store paid for the Brand A computer, and the store's gross profit on the Brand B computer was 20 percent of the price that the store paid for the Brand B computer. The store's total gross profit on the two computers was what percent of the total amount that the store paid for the two computers?
Answer: E
The store's total gross profit on the two computers was 60 percent of the total amount that the store paid for the two computers.
The store's total gross profit on the two computers was 60 percent of the total amount that the store paid for the two computers, indicating a profitable margin on their sales.
A) 35%
Option A is incorrect because a gross profit percentage of 35% does not align with the calculated profits from the sales of Brand A and Brand B computers based on the given profit margins and pricing structure.
B) 40%
Option B is also incorrect as it underestimates the gross profit percentage derived from the store's calculations, which should reflect the higher profit margins associated with Brand A’s sales relative to its cost.
C) 45%
Option C is incorrect because it does not accurately represent the relationship between the selling prices and profit margins of both computers, leading to a miscalculation of the total gross profit percentage.
D) 50%
Option D is incorrect as it fails to account for the full extent of the store's profit margins, which were calculated to be significantly higher, particularly due to the 80% profit margin on Brand A.
E) 60%
Option E is correct as it reflects the accurate calculation of the store's total gross profit as a percentage of the total costs of both computers, considering the profit margins stated in the question.
Conclusion
The correct answer is 60%, as it accurately captures the total gross profit in relation to the total amount paid for both computers, taking into account the profit percentages specified. All other options underestimate the actual gross profit percentage derived from the sales of Brand A and Brand B, leading to incorrect conclusions.