Caveat Emptor!

Here’s a tip that might save you money or at least some misery.  Have you ever noticed that carpet is often priced by the square foot, rather than the square yard?  This is partly because it sounds cheaper that way, and not just for obvious reasons.  Because, while there are indeed three (linear) feet in a (linear) yard, there are NINE square feet in a square yard!  (Think of a 3 x 3 block, which would have nine smaller squares inside.) 

So, if the carpet is priced at $2/square foot, say, that translates to $18/square yard, not $6, as one might be hastily tempted to think.  The store wouldn’t mind if you think it’s only $6, of course, but you will know better!