If $230 is the selling price, and 38% of $230 is the markup the buyer wants to apply, then the markup is 38%*$230 = 38/100*$230 = $87.40.
The maximum purchase price is $230 - 87.40 = $142.60.
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If the buyer has to pay more, either his markup will have to be lower, or his selling price will have to be higher.
The maximum purchase price is $230 - 87.40 = $142.60.
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If the buyer has to pay more, either his markup will have to be lower, or his selling price will have to be higher.