Following an increase in prices, the price of a candy box was 10 pounds and the price of a can of soda was 12 pounds. If the price of a candy box was raised by 25%, and the price of a can of soda was raised by 50%. What was the price of a box of candy plus a can of soda before prices were raised?
Choose the correct choice from the following answers:  A) 11 .  B) 12 .  C) 16 .  D) 14 .  E) 14.5

Rationale: "price of candy before price increase = 10 / 1.25 = 8 price of soda before price increase = 12 / 1.5 = 8 total price = 8 + 8 = 16 c is the answer"
Answer: C