I have to get it, its on sale... will you take any less for that?

The expression of the "busy days of summer" are living up to their words as of late. Many people believe that once the 4th of July is here.... summer is half over!  When in reality it is just getting started.  The water is finally warm enough for people to get in, the rain has subsided just enough to give everyone a mini break from all the mowing.  What does not seem to get a break is using math in every day life.  I have a part time job at a local gift shop in our area of tourism during the summer months.  Our area swells with people, and all of us that have businesses try to generate the bulk of our income during the small window of time, known as summer.

One of the ways that we as resort owners and my friend who has the gift shop do to promote business is to offer discounted time in a cabin or at stores.  During the early part of the resort season ( May or early June) as well as the latter part ( after Labor Day) we offer discounted rates.  The gift shop owner also offers discounts on merchandise that has been there for a month or two.  If the item started at $35.95 and is discounted by 30%, I am expected to figure out the sale price.  When I am shopping, and come upon a sign that says 30% off, I just guesstimate.  So if the item is $35.95 and I get 30% off... I would just round up the $35.95 to $36.00 and start with 10% off ( 3.60) and do that two more times.  I would finally come to the conclusion that I was about to get over $10.00 off.  Working at the gift shop and at the resort requires me to be a bit more precise when figuring amount with discount for others.

I have found that whatever the discount is, that is what I need to use to get the exact amount off.  The $35.95 item at 30% off in reality would be $35.95 x .30 = $10.785, or 10.79 off of $35.95... making it $25.16.  Some cash registers do this when you are ringing up the sale, but many people want to know what it is prior to the purchase.  I actually like this type of math ( mental math) as it is a good exercise for my brain, and helps me to decide if I REALLY need the item, or just want it because it is on sale.