The marked price (x) of an item is increased by 10% and subsequently decreased by 15%. If the final price is y, then :

To find the relationship between x and y, we can apply the successive percentage change formula or calculate step-by-step:

• Let the initial marked price be x.
• Step 1: Increase x by 10%.
  New Price = x + 0.10x = 1.10x
• Step 2: Decrease the result by 15%.
  y = 1.10x × (1 − 0.15)
  y = 1.10x × 0.85
  y = 0.935x

Since y = 0.935x, it implies that y is 93.5% of x. Therefore, y is less than x, which can be written as x > y.

Alternatively, using the net percentage change formula [a + b + (ab/100)]%:
Net change = [10 − 15 + (10 × −15)/100]% = [−5 − 1.5]% = −6.5%.
A negative result indicates a net decrease from the original value, confirming x > y.