Flip your imagination switch to the ON position and pretend that you entered a contest at the local mall to win a $1000.00 shopping spree at a toy store of your choice. Imagine the surprised look on your face when you’re called to the phone and told that you WON!

But wait! The surprised look on your face turns serious when you learn there’s a catch! You are informed that the total cost of all the toys you select must not exceed (go over) $1000.00, tax included. Also, the total cost of all the toys (tax included) must fall between $995.00 and $1000.00 or you lose everything.

"Not a problem!" you exclaim. "I have a secret weapon called a spreadsheet! I can make it do the math for me–right down to the very last penny! Show me the money!"

Print your "imaginary" $1000.00 check.

Pick one of the online stores listed below and begin shopping! Print the order form and use column A (or notebook paper) to write down all the toys you want. Record the cost of each item in column B and how many you’d like to buy in column C. Ignore column D today. See the first three toys Josh selected at the Wal-Mart Toyland online store.

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