Category: Holidays

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Holidays Math for Grownups

Turning Over a New Leaf

2012 is just around the corner, and people all over the world are making promises to themselves and others that they may not keep. Yep, it’s New Years resolution time.

Confession time: I’m not so great at keeping resolutions.  And apparently, I’m not alone.  According to a 2010 study, 60% of all Americans have made resolutions at some point in their lives, and 41% did so in 2011.  Unfortunately:

  1. Only 23% surveyed indicated that they had made “significant, long-term” change in 2010
  2. 29% said they had made a “minor change”
  3. Approximately 49% made no change at all

So there’s no point in making resolutions, right?  Based on this research, isn’t your chance of failure greater than your chance of success?

Mathematically speaking, it doesn’t work out that way.  That’s because events like success or failure of a New Years resolution are not random.

Rolling a die is random.  (You have just as much chance of rolling a 3 as a 5.)  Picking a certain card from a full deck is random.  (You have just as much chance of choosing the queen of hearts as the two of spades.)  And flipping a coin is random.  (You have a 50/50 chance of the coin landing on heads.)

But you can’t judge your success or failure in making resolutions based on the research that is done on others’ experiences.  Whether you keep or break a resolution is not random.

In fact, there’s tons of research out there that shows why some folks are able to keep their resolutions, while others are not so successful.  Here are some suggestions:

1.  Keep it simple.  When you make huge lists of resolutions and complex plans for keeping them, it’s likely that  your brain just can’t keep up.  In fact, willpower is the first thing to go.

2. Believe in yourself.  People who believe they can meet their goals actually do!

3. Get support from others.  When you’re made accountable for your actions, it’s easier to stick to your plans.

4.  Be specific. Think of your long-term goal as a series of smaller steps and focus on each one individually.

5.  Remember that change is a process.  Setbacks will happen.  It’s what you do with those little failures that make a difference in your ultimate success.

For the next month, we’ll take a week-by-week look at New Years resolutions — and how math can help you meet your goals.  Stay turned!

P.S. If your New Year’s resolution has anything to do with saving money, losing weight or learning new hobbies — but the math around those goals is frustrating at best — Math for Grownups could be a big help!

Do you make New Year’s resolutions?  Why or why not?  How successful have you been in the past?  Care to share this year’s resolutions?

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Holidays Home Math for Grownups Math for Parents

Using Math to Wrap Gifts

My shopping is done.  I’ve got no more baking to do.  And save one, all of the great holiday parties are wonderful memories.

But I still have this stack of gifts to wrap.

I figure there are two kinds of people in the world: those who painstakingly dress each gift with crisp paper and color-coordinated bows; and those who haphazardly slap on some paper and call it a day.  I’m not so precise about most things, but you can put me in the first camp as far as gift wrapping goes.

Still, I’m mighty lazy.  I don’t measure out paper or use double-sided tape.  Instead I use a little bit of geometry to get my gifts just right.  It’s not hard at all.

The trick to a perfectly wrapped gift is to have just enough — not too much and not too little — paper to cover the package.  And to do that, use a box, if the item is oddly shaped.

Now consider the width of the box.  Line the box up on one end of the paper, like this:

And then turn the box up on the left edge, over onto the other large side and up again on the last edge, like this:

You want to have some left over paper on the left.  This will overlap so that there’s no gap in the seam.

Now you can look at the length of the package.  This is where things get a little tricky.  You need a little more than half the height of the package.  (I just eyeball it, but you can be more precise, if you want.)  You’re ready to cut.

So your paper is cut.  (Did you notice that throughout that easy process, you thought about the width, length and height of the box?  That’s the geometry at work here, folks.)  It’s time to start wrapping.  Turn the box upside down onto the paper.  This way, the seam will be on the bottom of the box.

Wrap one of the long sides of the paper over the box and secure with tape.

Do the same with the other side, making sure that the paper is tightly wrapped around the box.

Now it’s time to address the sides of the gift.  Fold down the top paper, so that it’s flush against the box.  If you’ve eyeballed your measurement correctly, the paper won’t be too long or two short.  Then fold in each side of the paper, making little angles.  Crease each one with your fingernail.  Then fold the last flap up, so that it looks like an envelope.  Use tape to secure that flap.

The other side is much easier, because now you can put the box up on the side you just wrapped.

Once everything is folded and taped up, use your fingernail to make sharp creases along each of the edges of the box.  Add a bow — I like using wired bows made of fabric, because they’re easy to manage, and I can reuse them again next year.  Ta-da!  The perfect gift!

Do you have a gift-wrapping technique to share?  If so, tell us in the comments section.

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Holidays Math for Grownups Math for Parents

Last-Minute Mathy Gifts for Kids

Looking for a last-minute gift for your budding Eistein?  You’ve come to the right place.

I’m not about to suggest that kids love “educational toys.”  But one thing is for sure — kids learn best when they’re having fun.

I’ve gathered a few of my most favorite gift ideas for kids–whether they like math or not.  The best part is that these gifts for sale at your local Target, bookstore or toy store, for not much cash.

Games

SET is a sneaky — and honestly fun — way for kids to learn and practice logic and set theory.  The object of the game is notice similarities in the cards, each of which has a variety of shapes that differ in number, shape, color and shading.  I promise, this is a cool way to spend some time with your kids.  (Ages 6 and up)

Yahtzee?  Yep.  There’s quite a bit of math involved, in fact.  Developing a good strategy requires a solid understanding of probability.  And being able to quickly spot a full-house, three-of-a-kind or four-of-a-kind involves spacial understanding.  Then there’s adding up the scores to find totals.  See?  Math is all over this game. (Ages 8 and up)

Toys

Kids (and grownups) can create complex and simple mazes and runs in a variety of different marble run toys, some with transparent tubes and others with brightly colored pieces.  Where’s the math?  First off, kids are playing with their spacial abilities, noticing where the marble goes when the track positions are changed.  Then there’s the experience of trial and error — which goes hand in hand with math. (4 years and up)

For the tiny set, you can’t go wrong with shapes.  Toys like shape sorters help toddlers and preschoolers learn their shapes.  You can extend the learning by encouraging other ways of sorting — like colors.  (15 months to 5 years)

Books

David Schwartz writes really wonderful math and science books that don’t smack kids over the head with their educational focus.  How Much Is a Million is one of my favorites.  Illustrated by Steven Kellog, the book demonstrates how much a million is.  (Grownups will probably learn something from this one, too!) (Ages 3 and up)

There’s no sneakier way to tap into a kid’s curiosity about math than with The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster.  This classic children’s novel takes readers on a mythical journey of Milo and his “watchdog,” Tock.  The book touches on a variety of mathematic topics — from infinity to three-dimensional shapes.  Bonus: there’s an equal emphasis on language, including idioms and puns.  It’s bound to be a homerun for any young reader.  Oh, and 2011 is the 50th anniversary of this classic. (Ages 10 and up)

Do you have any great gift ideas for kids?  Share them in the comments section!

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Holidays Math at Work Monday Math for Grownups

Math at Work Monday: Kim the candle maker

Good grief the winter holidays include a lot of candles!  Earlier this month, Christians began lightingAdvent candles; Hanukkah begins tomorrow night at sunset; Thursday is the Winter Solstice; andKwanzaa starts on December 26.  

That’s a lot of wax!

Lately, I’ve been fascinated by how candles are made, and so I reached out to Kim Meade, owner ofAdirondack Chandler Candles.  In the interview below, she explains how math plays a role in candle making.  It’s a longer interview than usual, but Kim provided such great details, and I didn’t want to leave anything out!

Can you explain what you do for a living?

I make candles the same way they have been done for centuries, dipping candles in a variety of waxes, including paraffin, True Bayberry, and beeswax.  I have a hand made carrousel that allows me to dip 120 pairs of taper candles per dip.  I also make votives, tea lights, potpourri tarts and other items with wax in them.  This is a full time job for me.  I sell my candles to more than 100 retail shops, as well as several consignment shops and on Etsy. I also have a retail website as well as a very small retail shop in my studio.

When do you use basic math in your job?

I use math every day.  I have recipes that I use to make my candles in a variety of scents and colors.  I have to weigh the wax and adjust dyes and formulas depending on how much new wax I add to my batch.  For example, a fresh, new batch of wax requires 75 lbs of wax.  When I finish each dip, I always have a minimum of 30 lbs left over since the dippng vat has to remain full.  At the end of the day, I save the leftover for the base for the next dip of this particular scent or color.  The next time I am going to do this particular scent or color, I have to determine how much more wax I have to add to the melter.  This is basic addition and subtraction.

Then I have to calculate the percentage of dye and fragrance that I have to add.  For example, if I have added 45 new pounds of wax, I have to calculate the proportions — 45 lbs vs. 75 lbs.  If I add 24 ounces of fragrance for a 75 lb batch of a particular scent and 5 Tbs of dye, how much would I add for a batch with only 30 lbs of new wax?  (I always use a calculator for these calculations!)

I also have to consider the strength of the dye.  Green dye is much more “potent” than, for example, yellow dye.  I have color ratios that I use.  If combining dyes for custom colors, I have to look at these ratios to determine how they will affect the end result  For example, I may use only 1/2 the green dye vs. a red dye for a particular result.

With each dip, I determine how many of each size candle I have to make. I routinely make 6″, 9″ and 12″ candles.  I have to look at my sales projections and determine how many of each candle size I have to make.  I then measure the amount of wicking that I have to cut. As an example, for a 6″ candle, I need to cut a piece of wick that is 12″ long, since the wicking will hang over the holder to allow me to dip a pair of candles.  I also have to add 5″ extra to give room for the wick to hang over the holder.

I have to ensure that the candles are at larger than the 7/8″ standard taper base, but not so large they look malformed.  Wax will shrink when it cools, and temperature and humidity can affect it, so I have to be aware of each of these factors.  Temperature plays an important role, specifically if it is warmer than 76 degrees.  Over 80 degrees in studio temperature will negatively affect candle integrity.  Although my candles will be fine above 80 degrees, they will not cool correctly and will have imperfections in them as they cool.  Candles cannot be in a draft, as it will cause them to curve, so I have to consider weather (specifically in the summer).  I cannot run an air conditioner during production.

I have a melter that I use to melt the 75 lbs of wax required for each batch.  Each wax has a different melt point optimum pouring temperature, and flash point (point at which the wax will ignite).  If combining waxes, calculations are made to determine correct melt point and pouring temperature.   Fragrance also has a flash point.  Wicks have different coatings on them (i.e., standard melt point, high melt point, super high melt point).    I load this melter the night before, and have a timer that I use to start the wax melting at the appropriate time.  It takes approximately 5 hours for the wax to melt to the correct temperature. so my first math calculation is to determine when to have the timer set to come on, depending on when I plan to start the day.  Some days I try to get two dips done in one day (so I have to start very early).  The second melt takes less time since the melter is already hot, so I have to make an educated “guess” on how long it will take based on temperature and size of the batch.

When making votives or tealights, I have to add other additives to the wax, such as stearic acid, vybar and other additivies depending on what is being made.  These are based on proportions compared to the weight of the wax.   I usually melt less wax, using a melting pot and a hot plate to melt this wax.  Usually I will melt 5- 10 lbs, so I have to calculate how long it will take to melt, and how much dye,fragrance, etc to add along with the additivies .  I base the dye on the original 75 lb recipe.

Finally, I use math during the packaging and shipping.  I have to determine correct box size, weigh the candles and gather measurements from shipping boxes.

Do you use any technology to help with this math?

I always use a calculator or computer to do my math calculations.  Just a few percentage points off in the production of my candles can ruin an entire batch.  I made an entire batch one time with just 1/2 a teaspoon too much green dye and had to redo the dip and the candles I made, although beautiful, were the wrong color for the scent.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

Just about everything I do requires math.  I have several sizes of wicking that  I use depending on the size and type of wax I am using.  Large pillar candles require a larger wicking than, for example a 4″ petite, 1/2″ bas candle.  Votive candles require larger wicks  than tea lights.  I also have all the proportions and ratios to consider.  Without math, my candles would not have the correct proportions and most likely would not be successful.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

I actually do not like doing math at all.  But, at my job it is second nature to me now.  Without it, my products would not be successful.  For example, I order 500 lbs of wax at a time, but each candle is only ounces in weight.  I add ounces of fragrance to the entire batch, but how much of that cost is in each single candle?  I purchase wicking by the yard, but the candle is measured in inches.  Dye are purchased by the pound, but measured into the recipe by teaspoon or tablespoon.  I have some complex spreadsheets that I have created in Excel that allow me to plug in the cost of my raw materials and it calculates the cost of my individual batch and candles.  But, even with this, the cost of my raw materials changes at different times, and some of the materials I use, such as dyes, will last for several years.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

In high school I took algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus.   I was very good at algebra, found geometry to be difficult, was pretty good at Trigonometry and found that I really enjoyed Calculus.

I have actually continued to learn ways to do math throughout my varied careers.  There are always things to learn to help you do your job better.  Learning to use Excel was a big boost for my business.  It helps me to compare prices, past years sales, calculate my formulas, project raw material requirements, etc.  It is amazing, when I think about it, how much math I use daily.  I am used to doing it, but considering it for this interview, I realized that I use math in almost every aspect of my candlemaking, from ordering raw materials through to the finished product and sales.

Do you have questions for Kim?  Ask them in the comments section!

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Holidays Math for Grownups Math for Parents

The 12 Days of Christmath

elebrate Christmas, you’re heading into the home stretch!  As of this morning, there are nine days until the fat man comes down the chimney.  I hope you’re more ready than I am!  (My careful schedule has gone to pot, in some ways, derailed by a sick kid, aging dog and some unexpected work stuff.  But I’m getting back on track.)

If you’ve hung out with me here at Math for Grownups for a while, you know how much I love Vi Hart.  This chick is something else — a musician and a “recreational mathematician.”  (According to her site, she now calls herself a recreational mathemusician.)

In short, Vi is the daughter of a math professor and a wonderful musician in her own right.  She creates these really, really cool videos that explore the intricacies of mathematical concepts — from number theory to geometry.

Yeah, she’s a huge geek, but she’s one of those geeks who won’t make you feel dumb, and she’s funny.

This week, I came across her video, The Gauss Christmath Spectacular.  (Gauss was a 16th and 17th century mathematician who dabbled in a huge array of topics, from optics to statistics.)  There’s some stuff in here that will probably fly right over your head, but don’t let that discourage you.  Instead, grab a cup of eggnog, plop your favorite high school or college student next to you, and jot down the math that you do recognize.  You’ll probably surprise yourself.

Without further ado, Vi Hart’s take on the 12 Days of Christmas (my absolute favorite Christmas song when I was five years old — much to my parents’ dismay).

What did you recognize?  Show off in the comments section!

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Holidays Home Math for Grownups Math for Parents

Cookie Exchange Math

Ah, the cookie exchange!  What better way to multiply the variety of your holiday goodies.  (You can always give the date bars to your great aunt Marge.)

The problem with this annual event is the math required to make five or six dozen cookies from a recipe that yields three dozen.  That’s what I call “cookie exchange math.”

Never fear! You can handle this task without tossing your rolling pin through the kitchen window. Take a few deep breaths and think things through.

To double or triple a recipe is pretty simple — just multiply each ingredient measurement by the amount you want to increase the recipe by.  But it’s also pretty darned easy to get confused, especially if there are fractions involved.  (And there are always fractions involved.)

The trick is to look at each ingredient one at a time.  Don’t be a hero!  Use a pencil and paper if you need to.  (Better yet, if you alter a recipe often enough, jot down the changes in the margin of your cookbook.)  It’s also a good idea to collect all of your ingredients before you get started.  That’ll save you from having to borrow an egg from your neighbor after your oven is preheated.

Each year, I bring cow cookies to my neighborhood cookie exchange.  What are cow cookies, you ask?  Just what they sound like: sugar cookies cut into the shape of a cow.  The spots are made of melted chocolate.  (They’re Holsteins, of course.)  And around each of their little necks, I create little (icing) wreaths with red (icing) berries.

(Why do I make cow cookies?  It’s a long story.  But I’ve been these to holiday parties for more than 20 years now.  Kids love ’em.)

The problem is that my cow-shaped cookie cutter is larger than most other, eh-hem, more traditional Christmas cookie cutters.  So, while my recipe says it yields 36 to 48 cookies, I know I won’t get that many.

So each year, I triple the recipe.  That way I have enough for the cookie exchange (5 dozen), plus some to take to my mom’s house and give away to friends.

I can’t share the recipe here, because it’s copyrighted by Better Homes and Gardens (otherwise known as the Red Plaid Cookbook).  But we can look at the ingredient amounts.  My recipe requires the following measurements of various ingredients:  1/3 cup, 2 cups, 1 tsp and 3/4 cups.

Since I’m tripling the recipe, I’ll need to multiply each of these amounts by 3. Then I can measure out the ingredients using the altered amounts.

The first three calculations are simple, but what about that last one?

The really easy way to get around this fraction is to fill a  one-fourth cup 9 times.  And honestly, if that’s how your brain works, go for it.

But if you want to, you could turn the fraction into a mixed number.  Here’s how:

Ta-da!  In only a few steps, I’ve done the simple math needed to alter this recipe.  Now, I just need to keep my fingers out of the bowl — so that I can actually bring enough cookies to the exchange.  (Honestly, I’d rather eat the dough than the baked and decorated cookies!)

What are your holiday recipe math tricks?  Can you think of other, more creative, ways to alter a recipe.  Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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Holidays Math for Grownups Math for Parents Personal Finance

Shop on! With Percents

Everybody loves a sale, right? The thrill of the hunt, the sense of accomplishment when landing a great deal.

But how many times have you reached the register and realized your purchase was more than you expected?  Or have you ever passed on a purchase because figuring out the discount was way too much trouble?

You don’t have to be afraid of the mental math that goes along with shopping.  (That goes for in-person and online sales.)  You also don’t have to be that giant geek standing in the sports goods aisle using your cellphone calculator to find 15% of $19.98.  Who has time for that anyway?

Believe it or not, figuring percents is one of the easiest mental math skills.  And it’s one of those things that you may do differently than your sister who may do differently than your boss.  In other words, you are not required to follow the rules that you learned in elementary school.  Now that you’re a grownup, you can find your own way.

Don’t follow?  Let’s look at an example.

Once again you’ve put off buying Mom’s gift.  It’s just about time to leave for her house, and you have literally minutes to find the perfect present for her — at the right price.  You’ve collected $40 from your brother and sister, and you can contribute $20.  Darn it, you’re going to scour the department store until you find something she’ll like that’s in the right price range.

And suddenly, there it is: a countertop seltzer maker, just right for Mom’s nightly sloe gin fizz. Bonus! It’s on sale — 40% off of $89.95.  But can you afford it?

There are a variety of different ways to look at this.  But first, let’s consider what you know.

The seltzer maker is regularly priced at $89.95.

It’s on sale for 40% off.

You can spend up to $60 ($40 from your sibs, plus the 20 bucks that you’re chipping in).

You don’t necessarily need to know exactly what the seltzer maker will cost.  You just need to know if you have enough money to cover the sale price.  And that means an estimate will do just fine.  In other words, finding 40% of $90 (instead of $89.95) is good enough.

Now you have some choices.  You can think of 40% in a variety of ways.

40% is close to 50%

It’s pretty easy to find 50% of $90 — just take half.

50% of $90 is $45

So, if the seltzer maker was 50% off, you could afford it, no problem.  But is 40% off enough of a discount?  You probably need to take a closer look.

40% is a multiple of 10%

It’s not difficult to find 10% of $90 either.  In fact, all you need to do is drop the zero.

10% of $90 is $9

What is 40% of $90?  Well, since 40% is a multiple of 10%:

There are 4 tens in 40 (4 · 10 = 40)

and

10% of $90 is $9

so

 4 · $9 = $36

It’s tempting to think that this is the sale price of the seltzer maker.  Not so fast!  This is what the discount would be.  To find the actual price, you need to do one more step.

$90 – $36 = $54

Looks like you can afford the machine. But there’s an even more direct way to estimate sale price.

40% off is the same as 60% of the original price

When you take 40% off, you’re left with 60%. That’s because

40% + 60% = 100%

Or if you prefer subtraction

100% – 40% = 60%

So you can estimate the sale price in one fell swoop.  Like 40%, 60% is a multiple of 10%.

There are 6 tens in 60 (6 · 10 = 60)

and

10% of $90 is $9

so

 6 · $9 = $54

The estimated sale price is $54, which is less than $60.  You snatch up the race-car red model and head for the checkout.

There are so many other ways to estimate sales prices using percents.  Do you look at these differently?  Share how you would estimate the sale price in the comments section.

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Holidays Personal Finance

To Estimate or Not to Estimate: That is the question

Whether you’re buying gifts for under the tree or just taking advantage of holiday sales, December is one of those times when you might need some mental math skills.  And while it can seem overwhelming to find out how much that 15%-off cashmere sweater will actually cost you, there are some easy ways to make quick work of these calculations and move on to the next item on your to-do list.  (We’ll look at those on Friday.)

But first you need to answer one big question: Is an estimate good enough?

What’s the total cost?

Let’s say you’re picking up a few things for your Aunt Millie. She has given you a $20 bill and a list.  You absolutely cannot exceed $20, and Aunt Millie is adamant that you get as much as you can for that amount.  In this case, you may want to calculate everything down to the penny.

Or what if you’re purchasing holiday gifts for a family in need.  You’ve set your budget — and you’re not going over it!  Once you have everything in your cart, it could be reassuring to spend a moment or two finding the exact cost of your purchases.

(Here’s a cool hint, though.  If you’re shopping online, these calculations are done for you.  Just put what you want in your online shopping cart, and the totals will be appear — including shipping!)

Can you afford it?

But I would guess that most of us merely need to know if we can afford a purchase — or if what we’re interested in buying is too expensive.  And that’s where estimation comes in handy.

Chandra’s family is HUGE.  And after years of buying a Christmas gift for each of her nine siblings and their spouses and partners, she initiated the good old Secret Santa exchange.  What a relief!

The process is simple. Over pumpkin pie after Thanksgiving dinner, Chandra’s mother brings out her best Sunday hat, which contains slips of paper — one for each of the 18 kids and their partners.  Each person selects a name and buys a present for that person.  The catch? No one can spend more than $50.

This year, Chandra is over the moon.  She drew her sister-in-law’s name, and she knows exactly what to get her — a handmade purse from the local craft fair.

A week later, struggling through the crowd of candle-buying, carol-humming shoppers, Chandra finds exactly what she’s looking for: a cute little bag made of repurposed, 1940s dish towels.  What a find!

She snatches up the bag, and pays $40 for it.  But she’s got $10 left over.  Should she find something to put inside?

Chandra starts looking for a little something more: there’s a handmade key fob for $2.50 or a little zipper pouch for $10. She starts feeling like Goldilocks — the pouch is too much and the key fob is not enough.  She leaves knowing she can make up the difference while shopping elsewhere.

And she hits jackpot later that week.  While picking up a few things at her local, independent bookstore, she spies a sweet little journal at the checkout line that would just fit into the purse.  On sale for $6.50, she figures she has enough to pick up a rollerball pen to go with it.

Just right.  (And notice — very little math!)

Is estimation mandatory?

So let’s say you are really into knowing your costs down to the penny.  What if just having a general idea of what something costs is way too unnerving for you?

Pull out that calculator, sister or brother.  There’s nothing wrong with finding the exact answer, if that’s what you need or want to do.  Just do the rest of us shoppers a couple of favors — move to the side of the aisle while you do your computin’ and while you’re at it, don’t look down your nose at other’s estimations.

Are you an estimator or an exacting kind of person? If you estimate, how? If you like an exact answer, what tools do you use?  Share your stories in the comments section.

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Holidays Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Elana the personal shopper

On the whole, I don’t like shopping.  But I do like shopping for Christmas gifts. Still, at around this time of year, I’m about ready to hand over my list to someone else — say a personal shopper?  And if she can help me find that perfect outfit for Saturday night’s holiday party?  Even better.

Meet Elana Pruitt, a personal shopper in the L.A. area of California.  Elana isn’t just a shopper.  She helps her clients figure out what they need and how to find it. She also writes about fashion at her blog, Good Girl Gone Shopping. Here’s how she uses math in her job.

Can you explain what you do for a living?  

I am a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant. My day-to-day schedule is never the same because the services I carry out are based on the every individual’s needs. I am committed to helping men and women find quality fashion not just for affordable cost, but at their specific budget. My job entails a variety of duties for my clients: re-organizing closets, styling new outfits using the clothes they already own to prove the versatility of their wardrobe, shopping with (or without) the client at particular stores or online, styling new purchases with their existing wardrobe after a shopping trip, and conducting online research.

Although my services are affordable, I realize that hiring a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant is a luxury. So the other half of my job entails writing about fashion. On my blog, Good Girl Gone Shopping, I provide helpful information about shopping and fashion, with references to our culture, entertainment, and the celebrity phenomenon.

When do you use basic math in your job?  

I’ve never been asked this question before – it’s a good one! In thinking about how I incorporate math into my job, I realize that I use it frequently. From counting items in a client’s closet to calculating my gas mileage for a shopping trip to scheduling appointments throughout the month. Everything I do involves the basics of math: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages. Most of the time, I don’t consciously think about the fact that math is a natural, necessary, and unavoidable component of my business. The main time when I am aware that I am using math is when there is a transaction of sorts. I charge hourly rates and a commission percentage of purchases, which needs to be clearly defined to the client. In addition, I sell advertising space on my Good Girl Gone Shopping blog. This also needs to be clearly structured for the client to understand (ads can be sold on a 6-month basis or yearly). Those two specific situations are when I am so happy I paid attention in math class throughout college!

Do you use any technology to help with this math?  

I am usually old school – I use a good ol’ pencil and paper most of the time. Then to double check my work, I use the calculator either on my computer or from my phone.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

For my job, it’s not that it makes it better – it’s just a part of it. Math is that essential to my work as a personal shopper, wardrobe consultant, and fashion blogger.

How comfortable with math do you feel?  

Basic math is second nature to me. Algebraic formulas take more effort. But fortunately, I’m doing something right, because I am able to successfully see my job through, from the consultation with the client to follow-up communication after my service with him or her is complete.  Overall, I feel comfortable with math…basic math.

What kind of math did you take in high school?  

I took Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry. I do recall struggling with Geometry. I have always respected those who excel in the study of math, because it requires such analytical thinking. I hate to say I wasn’t good at it, but let’s just say I would never choose to enter that field!

Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job? 

The skills I use now are pretty much standard. Students everywhere need to erase this thought from their brain, “I don’t know why I’m taking this class, I won’t need it in the real world when I grow up!” The journey throughout adulthood can be amazing if you are knowledgeable and skilled in a multitude of areas. Never say never!

Have you ever wondered how personal shopping works? Now’s your chance to ask Elana.  Post your question in the comments section!

Categories
Holidays

Holiday Organization: Get your elves in a row

I have a love-hate relationship with the winter holidays.  I love the hustle and bustle of shopping for the perfect gift, making cookies and candies, decorating the house and going to special events.

But every single December, I find myself completely overwhelmed with all that I’ve attempted to achieve.  Some years are worse than others.  There was that time that I was frantically trying to finish up a scrapbook for my sister — at 11:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.  And then there was the year I sobbed because I didn’t have enough time to string cranberries and popcorn for the tree.

Love-hate.

Like most 40-something folks who celebrate Christmas, I’ve spent the last few years trying very hard to get and stay organized during December.  I’ve prioritized what’s important to me and my family, and I’ve tried to let go of the things that we just don’t have time for.  (We no longer send Christmas cards.  We wait until February, sending Valentines cards.)

This month, I’ll spend a great deal of time here at Math for Grownups looking at the math that is used during the holidays — from making cookies to planning a holiday buying budget.  You’ll meet a candle maker, a personal shopper and (hopefully) a pastry or candy chef.  I’ll introduce you to some fun activities, as well as show you how math can help make some of these bigger tasks much easier.

(This is a good time for a little disclaimer.  In December, I celebrate Christmas, the Solstice and, if I’m not too worn out, New Years Eve.  But not all of my dear readers do.  During this month, I’ll make all attempts to be inclusive, however, I’ll often refer to my personal preparations, which are not all-inclusive.  I hope everyone will understand.)

But first, organization.

Organizing your tasks for the month may not seem like math.  And in some ways it isn’t.  But it does draw on your problem-solving skills — the very same abilities you put to work when solving a word problem in school.  Do you need to make a table? Draw a picture? Make a list?

For me, holiday planning revolves around the calendar.  Already I have certain deadlines to meet and events that are set in stone.  For example, my family is purchasing gifts for another family who is currently living in a shelter.  Those gifts must be delivered no later than December 9.  That means, I have to shop well before then.  And we travel to my mother’s house on Christmas Day, so all wrapping and making and buying and cooking must be done by then.

What is easiest for me is to create a weekly calendar.  I could dole out tasks for each day, but inevitably I end up with far too many changes in my schedule.  It’s easier to think about things one week at a time.

So here goes:

Week of November 28: Finish shopping for adopted family, string cranberries and popcorn, get Christmas tree, decorate tree and house, make sugar cookies, start shopping for my family, help daughter make her Christmas gifts.

Week of December 5: Ice sugar cookies, make little cakes, make peppermint patties, continue shopping, rehearse singing for Solstice and Christmas services, attend neighborhood party, attend cookie exchange, help daughter make her Christmas gifts.

Week of December 12: TAKE WEEK OFF OF WORK! Make peanut butter balls, rehearse for Solstice and Christmas services, help daughter make her Christmas gifts, continue shopping, send cookies to parents-in-law, finish crocheting scarf.

Week of December 19: Finish shopping, finish daughter’s homemade Christmas gifts, make Kiss cookies, package tins of cookies for friends, make Solstice cookies, wrap gifts, get car ready for the trip to Virginia, pack, make potluck dish for Christmas Eve.

Week of December 26: RELAX!

Now I can look at that list and see if anything is out of order — I’m not wrapping gifts before I buy them.  I’m not attending the cookie exchange before I make the cookies.

I can also ask myself if there is anything missing. Or does any one week look overly burdened?  Ideally, I’d like to get most of my preparations done before December 19, leaving that week to tie up loose ends.

How do you organize your time when you have way too much to do — and too many other things that you want to do?  How do your problem-solving skills help?  Respond in the comments section.

Categories
Holidays Personal Finance

The Math of Generosity

No matter what holiday you celebrate in December, the month has traditionally marked a time for charitable giving.  The weather is growing colder in some areas, making it much tougher on the homeless.  The end of the year is creeping up, and with it the deadline for tax exemptions for charitable giving.  And holiday cheer often means counting our blessings and remembering those who are less fortunate.

Yes, December is the time for giving.  But how much is enough? And what is too much?  As we attempt to balance our own needs (especially in these difficult economic times), many of us struggle with our own sense of guilt and generosity.

We’re at the end of our month of nesting here at Math for Grownups, and I wanted to share a little bit about the math of charitable donations.  Not much makes me feel better about myself than sharing what I have with others. But finding that perfect balance can be a challenge.

Turns out there are formulas that can help guide these decisions.  As we’ve seen in the past, math can remove uncertainty and help us see perspective.  Of course what works for one person is impossible for another.  And that’s okay.  Remember, as grownups we can break the rules — adjust the calculations a bit to suit our personal situations.

Peter Singer, a philosopher who has written about philanthropy, offers an interesting formula.  Singer’s suggestion is based on the amount of income a person or household earns.  His premise is that the larger a person’s income, the more he or she can afford to give.

This is the table adapted from his “The Life You Can Save” website:

INCOMEDONATION
Less than $105,000At least 1% of your income, getting closer to 5% as your income approaches $105,000
$105,001 –$148,0005%
$148,001–$383,0005% of the first $148,000 and 10% of the remainder
$383,001 -$600,0005% of the first $148,000, 10% of the next $235,000 and 15% of the remainder
$600,001 –$1,900,0005% of the first $148,000, 10% of the next $235,000, 15% of the next $217,000 and 20% of the remainder
$1,900,001 $10,700,0005% of the first $148,000, 10% of the next $235,000, 15% of the next $217,000, 20% of the next $1,300,000 and 25% of the remainder
Over $10,700,0005% of the first $148,000, 10% of the next $235,000, 15% of the next $217,000, 20% of the next $1,300,000, 25% of the next $8,800,000 and 33.33% of the remainder

Most of us are going to fall in the top bracket —  or if you look at your household income, perhaps the second bracket.  And that’s where the math is simple.

Let’s say that Antwan and Jeannette bring in $75,000 as a couple.  According to Singer, their yearly donations should be between 1% and 5%.  They decide that 2% is a good number for them.

2% of $75,000

Just in case you’ve forgotten how to do percents, here’s a little refresher.  Two things to know: 1) percents can be written as decimals by moving the decimal point two places to the left.  2) And “of” means multiplication. So that means:

0.02 x 75,000 = 1,500

For Antwan and Jeannette, about $1,500 is a good annual total for charitable contributions.

But for the wealthy, the math gets a little tougher. Let’s look at another example.

Will earns $650,000 each year.  According to Singer, he should pay 5% of the first $148,000, 10% of the next $235,000, 15% of the next $217,000 and 20% of the remainder.

One easy way to look at this problem is to first consider four different problems:

5% of $148,000

10% of $235,000

15% of $217,000

20% of the remainder

But what’s the remainder?  Add and subtract to find out:

$148,000 + $235,000 + $217,000 = $600,000

$650,000 – $600,000 = $50,000

So he’ll need to find 20% of $50,000.

0.05 x 148,000 = 7,400

0.10 x 235,000 = 23,500

0.15 x 217,000 = 32,550

0.20 x 50,000 = 10,000

Now he just needs to add:

$7,400 + $23,500 + $32,550 + $10,000 = $73,450

According to Singer, a good amount for Will to donate over the year is $73,450.

Of course all charitable giving should be considered in these amounts — from the mittens you donate to the local shelter to the check you send to your United Way.

So do the math yourself — how close are you to Singer’s suggested donation levels?  (If you’re a little too nervous to try, read this first.) Are you surprised to give more?  Do you think you can stretch?  Share your ideas in the comments section.

Categories
Holidays

Black Friday: The real cost of handmade

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If you celebrate Christmas and live in America, you may very well be heading out (or coming home) from Black Friday sales.  Or perhaps you’re opting for Small Business Saturday, picking up gifts at local specialty stores. Or maybe you’re waiting until early next week for Cyber Monday–and big shopping spree at Amazon or Etsy.  Or you may be waiting for the local arts and crafts show to fill your stockings (or at least shopping basket).

Whatever your preference, you may be wondering how artists and crafters price their items.  Well, I can tell you from experience that the process is a really big challenge.  When I decided to sell some little items that I sew, I spent a long time researching and doing the math to find the perfect Three-Bears price — you know: not too high and not too low, but juuust right.

But I can’t say it better than Somer Sherwood, a wonderful free-form crocheter, who sells her amazing creations in her Etsy shop, Classy Broad. Somer also blogs at www.somersherwood.com, and she gave me permission to share this excerpt of her wonderful post: “The True Cost of Handmade.”  Read on:

I recently did my first craft fair.  And at that craft fair, one woman picked up every one of my hats, tried them on, and made a sort of a noise in the back of her throat indicating disgust. Then she muttered, “I don’t really like these hats” before looking at the price tag for one of them and looking at me over her glasses: “Do you really charge this much?”

Ok, I managed a retail store for many years, so I’m used to this type of customer. I’ve met hundreds of them, and I know it’s less about whatever she is looking at and more about what is going on in her own crazy brain. Some people just have this need to be nasty. But this was a little different. What she was cruelly and callously saying to me was that what I created had no value. My art has no value. It is worthless and ugly. And I won’t lie — it stung a little.

But back to her question about the cost. The particular hat she picked up was $150 and it was this one:

The offending freeform crochet hat: Lettuce Go to the Mothership. $150.

You can’t see from the photos, but it is made of thousands of tiny little stitches, all folding in on themselves and creating a pretty elaborate underwater sea creature type effect. It’s made of hundreds of yards of very nice wool in colors that I carefully selected and put together in a way I thought would be pleasing.  I spent probably 18 to 20 hours making this hat.

So let’s do the math.

Read the rest here.  It’s seriously worth it — especially if you sometimes question the values put on those adorable, amazing and one-of-a-kind items that are only available from your friendly crafters and artists.