Rs 100 vs Rs 45 snack test: Bengaluru dad shares why ignoring this math decision can lead to poor life choices

A simple trip to the grocery store can reveal more about how we think than we realise. What looks like a harmless choice between two snack packs can quietly shape the way we make decisions in life. Bengaluru-based investor Ritesh Banglani recently sparked an online conversation by explaining how avoiding basic mental math doesn’t just lead to small mistakes but can slowly train the brain to rely on instinct over logic, even in high-stakes situations.

Taking to X, Banglani shared a conversation with his son, who questioned the need for mental math in a world filled with calculators. In response, he pointed to a seemingly trivial scenario: choosing between a 500g snack pack priced at Rs 100 and a 200g pack priced at Rs 45. While the calculation required to determine value for money is straightforward, many people skip it altogether. Instead, they rely on surface-level impressions—assuming Rs 100 feels expensive or that Rs 45 appears like a better deal simply because it is lower.

According to Banglani, the real issue is not the occasional wrong choice while buying snacks. It is the habit that forms when such decisions are repeatedly made without applying basic reasoning. Over time, this pattern conditions the mind to operate on what he describes as “vibes” rather than logic. The more this happens, the weaker the ability to analyse and evaluate situations becomes, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond everyday purchases.




He draws a connection between this tendency and larger life decisions. Choices such as whether to rent or buy a house may end up being based on what feels manageable in terms of EMIs rather than a deeper understanding of rental yield or long-term financial impact. Similarly, investment decisions might hinge on brand familiarity instead of careful analysis. In his view, the erosion of basic numerical reasoning can influence both financial and non-financial judgments, as the ability to think logically is closely tied to how comfortable one is with numbers.



Banglani also highlighted how this avoidance often begins subtly. Small acts of intellectual laziness—like skipping a quick mental calculation—can accumulate over time, weakening critical thinking. He likened it to allowing a minor compromise to grow into a larger problem, where the initial hesitation around numbers gradually evolves into a broader reluctance to engage in analytical thinking.

At its core, his message is less about mathematics and more about mindset. Mental math, in this context, becomes a tool to strengthen reasoning, discipline, and clarity. What starts as a quick calculation in a supermarket aisle can ultimately shape how confidently and effectively a person navigates far more complex decisions in life.

Internet reacts

The post sparked thoughtful reactions online, with many relating to the idea of small decisions shaping bigger ones. One user said they had often struggled to explain the importance of mental math to their child and appreciated the simple breakdown. Another admitted they had noticed the same pattern in their own life, where avoiding small calculations slowly influenced wider financial choices, like buying a house based on EMI instead of actual returns.

Some even connected the idea to other fields, wondering if the same principle applies to coding, where people rely on tools without understanding fundamentals. Others working in finance and training roles shared how they often see professionals depend on calculators for basic calculations, making it harder to build strong analytical thinking. A few also noted that mental math is part of their hiring process, reinforcing its importance as a core skill rather than an outdated one.