Explanation:

- Here’s the thing: the trader sold both articles for Rs 14,784 each.

- He gained 12% on one, lost 12% on the other. So, the selling prices are the same, but the cost prices were different.

- Let’s call the cost price of the first article C1. For 12% gain:

Selling Price = C1 × (1 + 12/100)

14,784 = C1 × (1.12)

C1 = 14,784 / 1.12 = 13,200

- For the second article’s cost price C2, where he had a 12% loss:

Selling Price = C2 × (1 - 12/100)

14,784 = C2 × (0.88)

C2 = 14,784 / 0.88 = 16,800

- Total cost price = 13,200 + 16,800 = 30,000

- Total selling price = 14,784 + 14,784 = 29,568

- He actually lost 30,000 - 29,568 = 432

- Option 3 – 432 – is  the correct answer.

- Quick reality check: This type of problem always ends up in a loss because equal percentage gain and loss on the same selling price or cost always hurts.

- Other options (3000, 469, 498) aren’t matching our math.

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Good catch and nice calculation!