Answer:

Given: Index number of wholesale prices in August 1999 = 152
Comparison: August 1999 with August 1998

We need to find the net increase in wholesale prices during the year.

Formula:
Percentage increase = [(New value - Old value) / Old value] x 100

Calculation:
Let the wholesale prices in August 1998 be x.
According to the question, the index number of wholesale prices in August 1999 is 152.
Therefore, the wholesale prices in August 1999 = (152/100) x x = 1.52x

Therefore, the percentage increase in wholesale prices during the year is:
[(1.52x - x) / x] x 100 = 52%

Hence, the correct option is (c) 52%.

Explanation:
The index number of wholesale prices is a measure of the average change in prices of a basket of goods and services over time. It is used as an indicator of inflation or deflation in an economy. In this question, we are given the index number of wholesale prices in August 1999 compared to August 1998. We need to find the net increase in wholesale prices during the year.

To solve this question, we first need to find the wholesale prices in August 1999 using the index number given. We can do this by multiplying the index number by the wholesale prices in August 1998. Once we have found the wholesale prices in August 1999, we can use the formula for percentage increase to find the net increase in wholesale prices during the year.

In this case, the percentage increase is 52%, which means that the wholesale prices increased by 52% during the year. This is a significant increase in prices, and it can have an impact on the economy and the consumers who buy these goods. It is important to track the changes in wholesale prices and take appropriate measures to manage inflation or deflation in an economy.