Don’t panic! I know a lot of you don’t like seeing the word ‘math’ in the title. Trust me, this is not a difficult post to follow.

I needed to stock up on some extra fine (220 grit) sandpaper. I don’t use a lot of it, but I always like to have a few sheets on hand. The handheld sander I use is known as a ‘Quarter-Sheet’ sander, so each sheet of paper will yield four sheets on the sander. I figured three sheets would be fine. It’s not the math I’m talking about, but we all realize that will give me 12 sheets for my sander.

At the hardware store, I found a bin of loose sheets, and a rack of multi-sheet packs.  Usually, the multi-packs are a bargain. So much so, that I buy the fine (150 grit) paper in 50-sheet packs – I use a lot of that stuff. In any case, I always check to see.

As you can see in the images below, individual sheets were 49¢ ($0.49) and a 5-pack was $5.99.

Now there’s a bargain for people who don’t understand math.

This post is part of Linda G. Hill’s fun weekly series One-Liner Wednesday. If you have a one-liner, or if you would like to join in on the fun, you can follow this link to participate and to see the one-liners from the other participants.

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

79 responses to “Math Matters – #1LinerWeds”

  1. As always, never a disappointment. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed this.

      Like

  2. Beautiful post, hubby loves to bargain hunt and usually does well.💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It does feel good when you get it right.

      Like

  3. Math does matter. On the weekend of the 4th HD had a “special” on small agapanthus 2 for 10 dollars. I almost laughed my socks off when I saw the regular price. (5 dollars each)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha – I love seeing those signs. I remember once when I first started doing the grocery shopping. I picked up two bottles of something that were on sale “2 for $5” only to have my wife tell me they are normally $2.50 each. You have to look beyond the signs.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You certainly do. Great pictures by the way.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. theartblogger54 Avatar
    theartblogger54

    The ability to be able to do mental arithmetic is priceless. Most of my – so-called education – turned out to be pretty much a waste of time except for that one skill. Supermarkets (and hardware stores too!) are out to make as much as they can from the unwary. Trying to compare like for like when one item is priced per 100g and the other is priced per unit. Are those baked beans the same price? But wait. One is 400g another is 410g and yet another is 420g. If you buy in bulk to save money you have to be able to work it out on the spot. Caveat emptor!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They do go out of their way to make it hard to figure out. I do like the multi-packs, as it’s a good way to keep the paper straight, but not that good.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. theartblogger54 Avatar
        theartblogger54

        With prices and inflation going through the roof here, they are being even more devious than normal. Usually it’s more economical to by the large size of something, but lately I’ve noticed a few items where the reverse occurs and as you have demonstrated, a multipack is not necessarily a good deal. By law every retail store should have a flashing neon ‘caveat emptor’ sign above the entrance!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Haha. I’ve been reading that stores are stuck with odd items because pitching patterns have changed from what they were during the earlier part of the pandemic. Things are on sale now that usually aren’t. I guess you really have to pay attention.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. theartblogger54 Avatar
            theartblogger54

            Yep. It’s a whole new marketing game being played out here. Keep your eyes peeled and take nothing for granted🙃

            Liked by 1 person

  5. I think retailers are wise to consumers looking for multi pack bargains. Not much of a bargain there.
    But bunnies? Two pics are always a good deal.
    👍

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha – yes, we’re running a sale on bunny photos this summer. I hope I can find the leftovers in December.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Murphy’s Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    If the sign says it’s a bargain, more than likely it isn’t! Retailers are trying to get us coming and going, and often succeed!

    Today’s gallery brought tears to my eyes…so many memories of Maddie. I bet Galloping Grandma missed hearing her bark!

    MuMu would like some privacy Dan to do her girlie things! And Old Glory manages to shine on the background of dark trees. She’s a grand old girl indeed!

    Enjoy this last day of the break in our weather.
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Ginger. In some way, everything we did involved Maddie. Memories of her are never far away, and it is hard not to think about her. I loved the way she would stop and sniff those fallen leaves. She always seemed to find the ones that made nice photos.

      MuMu (and her sister) switch between wanting privacy and wanting to be on stage.

      The heat is back on. I just hope it stays out of the 90s.

      Have a nice day up and over the hump.

      Like

  7. Super power – being able to do math in your head! There sure are lots of folks keeping us on our toes these days. I got this letter in the mail asking me to use a QR reader to do a state survey. It looked legit. I decided to google the company, and that was still looked okay. I googled the person who signed it, and it got iffy. I decided to check the address and found it was a Staples store. After I stopped laughing, I recycled the paper.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. QR codes are being abused in so many ways for marketing and scams. Judy. You were wise to start checking around. In many cases, you can’t figure them out until you’ve processed them.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Hi Dan – we most definitely need to have our wits about us … and our maths … I got a job once (back in the day!) when I worked a percentage out in my head … I probably double check now … but in the shop – I try and do the sensible thing. Love the photos of summer views … pity about the new fence – cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I once wrote retail point-of-sale software for a local store. The owner asked if I could add a percentage discount feature. I said, “you only give one percentage discount, and it’s 10% off paint for painters – who can’t figure out a 10% discount?” Well, none of his younger clerks could.

      That fence looks good, but I don’t think they realized how many people go to that spot to see the train crossing the river. I go often, and I’m never the only person there.

      Like

  9. Like you said, I’m one of those people who hate math, but thanks to the fact that I know you, I read the post. Just how stupid do they think people are?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for trusting me, GP. The individual sheets are lower on the shelf (you have to bend) which is also a good sign. Stores put the stuff they want you to buy at eye-level. I’m glad I didn’t just pick up a pack and mover on.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That’s what they’re hopping people will do!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. That’s the math I can handle 😂. I took a virtual walk through your gallery just now. What a great start to my day. Beautiful!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed the walk. Have a nice day.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. You have to wonder how many people pick up that multi-pack thinking they got a deal. I’m not great at math, but I’m good enough. This is not good enough. 😉 Walker lady! Long time no see. Her hair looks different. I growled at her in honor of Maddie.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for growling. I wanted to bark.

      My first instinct was to pick up the 5-pack. Then I saw the individual sheets, and remembered I only needed a couple sheets, Then…wow!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. I have an awful time trying to do comparative shopping, and I suspect, judging by the numbers of people standing in aisles frowning at two of something in their hands, that others do too. This entire matter of math-in-the-head got me on such a high mental soapbox that I am going to make my own blog post about it instead of writing a ten-mile comment here. As for “caveat emptor,” that applies just about everywhere!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am glad I’ve been able to inspire you. No greater honor.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. That math is a helluva lot easier than toilet paper roll math, tell you what!
    Wonderful pictures, too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I wouldn’t want to do that math. I just buy the brand we like. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It is extremely complexe so I am with you ;-)

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Five for $5.99? Someone must be nuts. Thanks for the laughs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s what the sign said, John. I triple checked. I took the pictures because I didn’t think people would believe me.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Ugh… Unfortunately we do always have to do the math when it comes to shopping. I won’t get on that soapbox today. Have an easy coast down the other side of this midweek hump. Hugs on the wing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Teagan. I think, with some things, it’s worse on line. I say that as The Editor is ordering cat food.

      Like

  16. Argh…math always makes my brain hurt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This time it made me shake my head.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Damyanti Biswas Avatar
    Damyanti Biswas

    I love the pictures you’ve posted here Dan! a lot of humor and beauty!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed these, Damyanti.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Size makes a difference too. If it were extra large sheets maybe. Again, making us have to stand on our heads while whistling and blowing bubbles to keep from being ripped off… Hubs is always looking at the price per code to be sure something is a bargain. Also he’s quick to notice when staples like sugar and flout go down. Few cents but the weight is significantly less. Another trick on the unwary consumers. I’ll bet walker lady misses her too, Dan, 🤗❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Flour, not flout but I’m sure it would go up in price too.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. You have to keep the unit price in mind. Size, for paper goods, and quantity are important. I noticed the paper plates I buy went from packs of 50 to 43. We don’t use many, so I don’t know when that changed.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I always feel so badly for folks getting beyond the ability to play all these math puzzle games. 😔

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Your math post proves it pays to pay attention! Great photos. I love the words, ‘early morning and cool.’ It’s a distant fading memory.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Unfortunately, it’s true, Jan. Early morning and cool is requiring me to walk even earlier.

      Like

  20. When #4 Daughter was (briefly) homeschooled, one of her projects was to go to the grocery with me and figure out which item was cheaper per unit. She loved it because it was indisputably useful, and says she still uses the habit/skill.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is a very useful habit. Fortunately, my mind drifts to the math of things. I just got back from Target. I had stopped at Walgreens for something I almost always buy there. It was $5.59, which I thought was more expensive than the last time I bought it. It had a sign on it that made it look like it was on sale, but the sign was to indicate that the item is OTC (over the counter) approved – for folks with health savings accounts. I decided to check at Target. They had the same item, same quantity for $2.49.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Once acronyms get involved, it’s all over.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. MATH: My Anxiety Takes a Hit. So individually they’re $.50 apiece but a five pack they’re more than a dollar apiece? Is my math that bad?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nope, but I bet a lot of people buy the 5-pack.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. That’s a no-brainer on which to buy, even for me. 🙂 Nice photo gallery, Dan. You must miss Maddie on your walks. Are you considering getting another dog?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I do miss her, Jennie, very much. The cats are 17, and not in great health. We wouldn’t bring a new dog into the house at this point. We’re going to let let enjoy whatever time they have left.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, Dan. With older cats, I would do the same thing and wait. Yes, enjoy the time you have left. We pet owners/lovers understand.

        Like

  23. I wonder how many people buy the 5-pack and get all the way home before they say to themselves “wait a second…”

    They do this a lot with prescription drugs. I take two prescriptions, each of which is a $5 copay for 90 days’ worth. if I buy them combined into one pill, it’s $50 for the 90-day supply…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yikes! That’s absurd.

      I’m sure they sell a lot of 5-packs.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I always appreciate stores that show the unit price… as long as they use the same units for comparison. It’s difficult for us math-challenged folks to figure out how much one brand/size is per ounce vrs. another per liter (for example). Interesting that our math teachers told us that we needed to figure these things out in our heads because we “wouldn’t always have a calculator with us.” Then, came cell phones apps to save us.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad those teachers made us learn his to do this in our heads. I have used my phone to learn about the differences between models. I like that option.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Three of those 49 cent sheets is all one needs, perhaps even three more than I’ll ever use.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m sure I have enough for this year.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. That reminds me of a commercial I saw. The spokesperson was supposedly a doctor. During her spiel she announces that she isn’t a mathematician. I wonder how she got her doctorate.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha – good question. I’d be interested in how she does prescriptions that are based on weight.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. A bin of loose sheets! It’s nice to have options… and happy bees! I especially liked the first photo of morning light shining through the trees.

    Like

  28. Math does matter–much as I dislike it. Crazy they wanted so much more for a 5 pack.

    Like

  29. Measure twice…..those were the first thoughts that came to mind. Loved this math lesson.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It does pay to check things a couple times, Rebecca.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Hi Dan, I have discovered that individual items are often cheaper than bulk purchases so I always check. Lucky you for spotting this anomaly.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s funny when it works out that way, Robbie. I do try to pay attention.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. I love “Math Matters.” That is a funny one. I used to work for a program called Math Matters to help elementary teachers teach math. Maybe a few more teachers could have used the program! LOL

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha – that sounds like a wonderful program, Marsha. I think a lot of adults could use a refresher course.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It certainly sounds like it! LOL

        Liked by 1 person

  32. Great math lesson Dan. (couldn’t help but chuckle)…followed by some awesome captures!! Fun post!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Kirt. Pricing is crazy on some of these things.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. […] harrumph was the result of reading Dan Antion’s blog post about the way retailers try to rope us into buying, with the inarguable position that […]

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  34. LOL! That is so funny. Slick retailers!! Gotta pay attention🙂

    Pat

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I see this more and more these days. It’s funny when you catch it.

      Like

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