Because of cholesterol problems, I must take a certain medicine. Every week I buy a box, which lasts me for seven days.

However, things are not so bad. The laboratory that produces this medicine has an standing offer: for every five empty boxes, they give you a free new box.

Thus, I get six boxes paying just for five; it means a 16.67% savings for me... right or wrong?

(In reply to multiple perspectives by Daniel)

another point I would like to make is that since the average savings is dependant on home many boxes are purchased then it is impossible to fix an exact amount on the savings without knowing how long the medication will be needed.  In fact, if for example he no longer needed the medication after 6 weeks then his savings actually would be 16.67% and only after purchasing the medication for an eternity would he finally realize a savings of 20%.  Thus one could argue that since he is very unlikely to live forever then his total savings can not be calculated without either knowing the expected number of boxes to be purchased or how much longer he has to live.

Posted by Daniel on 2006-08-11 08:47:23