Problems of the Week

Black Friday and Cyber Monday…
Answers are dure by noon on Friday, December 5th

1. My wife went to Wal-Mart at 3:30am to be in the store in time for the sales at 5:00am. There were people that camped out in the Wal-Mart from 10:00pm Thursday waiting to purchase a TV at 5:00am on Friday morning. They were a little cranky… Anyways, what is the percent difference between my wife’s waiting time compared to the “campers” waiting time?

2. People were able to make great purchases on expensive items, but there was a limit to the number of these items that the store kept in stock for the sale. There were four flat screens TVs on sale for $988, but the original price was $1199.99. What was the percentage taken off of the original price?

3. On Cyber Monday, the same TV that people were fighting over on Friday for $988 were available for an even lower price of $898. What is the additional percentage taken off of the $988 price?

4. Black Friday was great for Wal-Mart, but bad for other electronics companies. For example, Circuit City shares have fallen 24% since the end of November, when the price war started. If at the end of November one share of Circuit City stock was worth $0.13, what is the price of one share now? (Fun Facts: Circuit City shares were worth $7.98 during November 2007, and $27.29 in November 2006! Ouch!)

5. I wanted to purchase new clothes for my wife, so I looked at kohls.com. Their offer was an additional 15% off and free shipping on purchases over $100. I found a cute jacket that was originally $42, but is on sale at 60% off. Shipping on this item is normally $7.95. How much will I save compared to regular price if I am able to find $100 worth of merchandise to buy in order to receive free shipping and the additional 15% off?

Special Bonus!!! What is the Wal-Mart effect?