The price of a certain painting increased by 20% during the first year and decreased by 15% during the second year. The price of the painting at the end of the 2-year period was what percent of the original price?  Pick one.
A) 102 % B) 105 % C) 120 % D) 135 % E) 140 %

Rationale: "assume that price is 100 price at the end of yr 1 : 100 + 20 = 120 price at the end of year 2 = 120 - 120 * 0.15 = 120 * 0.85 = 102 hence required answer = ( 102 / 100 ) * 100 % = 102 % answer is a ."
Answer: A