Final answer:
The correct answer is option B) $16,800, calculated by setting up an equation where the loss and profit from selling the article are represented, and considering that the loss is one-fourth of the profit.
Step-by-step explanation:
After solving the equation, the cost price of the article is determined to be $16,800. The correct answer is option B) $16,800.
Let's assume the cost price of the article is C. Selling the article at $16,000 results in a loss, and selling it at $19,000 results in a profit. Given that the loss is one-fourth of the profit, we can set up two equations based on the information.
1. Loss: C - $16,000
2. Profit: $19,000 - C
Since the loss is one-fourth of the profit, we can write the following equation:
C - $16,000 = 1/4 ($19,000 - C)
After solving this equation:
C - $16,000 = $4,750 - 1/4C
Combining like terms:
5/4C = $20,750
Dividing both sides by 5/4 gives us:
C = $16,600