Even philosophy major Matthew Yglesias is offended by the mathematical failings of Robert Samuelson, who writes that “If you move to a home 25 percent larger and then increase energy efficiency 25 percent, you don’t save energy.” But as Yglesias points out, 1.25*.75=.9375, which is less than 1. Ouch.

PS Yglesias later noted that “irrespective of mathematical quibbling, Samuelson’s gotten the physics of home energy use wrong. Energy usage should grow proportionately to the surface area of your house, not to its volume.”