Question

A fruit seller had some apples. He sells \(40%\) apples and still has \(420\) apples. Originally, he had:

• A. 588 apples
• B. 600 apples
• C. 672 apples
• D. 700 apples

Hint:

When you know the percentage remaining, divide the remaining quantity by the decimal form of that percentage to find the original quantity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1 (Understanding the situation).
He sold \(40%\) of the apples \(\) he is left with \(100% - 40% = 60%\) of the apples.
Step 2 (Setting up the equation).
Let the original number of apples be \(x\). After selling \(40%\), he has \(60%\) left: \[ 0.60x = 420 \] Step 3 (Solving for \(x\)).
\[ x = \frac{420}{0.60} = 700 \] This gives \(700\) apples. However, let's verify carefully. Step 4 (Check the logic again).
Wait — if he had 700 and sold \(40%\), that is \(0.40 \times 700 = 280\) apples sold, leaving \(700-280=420\) apples. This matches the question exactly. So the correct original number is \(\mathbf{700}\). Step 5 (Identify the correct option).
Option (d) is 700 apples, not 672 — so the correct is (d). \[ \boxed{700 \ \text{apples (Option (d)}} \]