On Wed, 26 Dec 2001 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote (edited):
> > > I came across a table of costume jewelry at a department store with
> > > a sign that said "150% off. " I asked them how much they would
> > > pay me to take it all off of their hands. I had to explain to them
> > > what 150% meant, and they then explained to me how percentages are
> > > computed in the retail trade: first we cut the price in half
> > > (50%). Then we cut it in half again. Now we have cut it in half
> > > a third time. 50% + 50% + 50% = 150% off.
> ...
> > ... if they advertise a 150% discount directly, without referring
> > to the sequence of three 50% discounts, might they not be liable to
> > legal action for misrepresentation?
> I would tell the clerk in the store, "Ah, you get 150% off by taking
> 75%-off of 75%-off. I'll take it." (1/16 price vs. 50%-off 50%-off
> 50%-off =1/8 price).
Why settle for 1/16? Take 60% off after 90% off. Or 55% after 95%.
Or 50% after 100%, which ought to underline the illogic even for
arithmetically illiterate retailers.
-- DFB.
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Donald F. Burrill [EMAIL PROTECTED]
184 Nashua Road, Bedford, NH 03110 603-471-7128
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