Question

An iron beam made with rare materials has its market price dependent on the square of its length. The beam broke into two pieces in the ratio of 4 : 9. If it is sold as two separate pieces, what would be the percentage profit or loss compared to its original value?

• A. 44.44% loss
• B. 50% loss
• C. 55.55% loss
• D. 60% loss

Hint:

For pricing based on the square of length, breaking an item into smaller parts always results in a loss because the sum of the squares of smaller lengths is less than the square of the total length.