Notes
Smart shopping
- Unit price $\displaystyle = \frac{\text{price}}{\text{quantity}}$. The lower unit price is the better value if you will use it all. Compare total cost including tax, shipping and fees.
- Sale price $=$ original $\times (1 -$ discount$)$. Watch for free trials that start charging, and pause before impulse buys.
Contracts and warranties
- A contract is legally binding: read cost, length, fees, auto-renewal and cancellation terms before signing. A warranty promises repair or replacement for a set time.
Scams and identity theft
- Red flags: urgency, gift card or wire payment requests, prizes you did not enter, and requests for passwords or codes. Phishing uses fake messages. Verify through contact details you find yourself.
- Protect your identity with strong unique passwords, a private Social Security number, regular account checks and, if needed, a credit freeze.
Consumer rights
- Rights include safety, information, choice and being heard. Keep records, contact the seller, escalate, and dispute wrong charges with your card issuer or a consumer protection agency.
Topics in this unit
Each topic has its own short notes and practice.
Practice
$\displaystyle \frac{3.60}{24} = 0.15$.
30% of $90 is $27, and $90 - 27 = 63$.
$12 \times 12 = 144$.
$30 + 20 \times 12 = 30 + 240 = 270$.
Urgency and gift card payments are classic scam signs.
Report unauthorized charges promptly to your card issuer.
Free response
Write your answer first, then open the scoring guide.
Free-response question
Noah is comparing two ways to buy cereal and one online subscription. Use these made-up numbers. Brand A is 12 ounces for $3.60. Brand B is 20 ounces for $5.00. A cereal-of-the-month club offers a free first month, then charges $9 per month.
(a) Find the unit price of each brand and say which is the better value.
Show the answer and scoring guide
Brand A: $\displaystyle \frac{3.60}{12} = 0.30$ per ounce. Brand B: $\displaystyle \frac{5.00}{20} = 0.25$ per ounce. Brand B is the better value.
Check off the points you earned:
(b) If Noah forgets to cancel the club after the free first month, how much will he be charged over the next 11 months?
Show the answer and scoring guide
$9 \times 11 = 99$, so $99.
Check off the points you earned:
(c) Describe two things Noah should do before signing up for the club.
Show the answer and scoring guide
He should read the contract for the price, length, auto-renewal and cancellation terms, and set a reminder to cancel before the free period ends. He could also compare the total cost with buying cereal in a store.
Check off the points you earned: