human
An 18-month magazine subscription is normally $34. The magazine is currently running a promotion for $0.25 off each twice-a-month issue when signing up for the 18-month subscription. How many dollars cheaper is the promotional subscription than the normal one?
assistant
How many issues are sent in the 18-month subscription? ** The subscription sends twice monthly issues, so there are 2 * 18 = <<2*18=36>>36 issues.
How many dollars cheaper is the promotional subscription than the normal one? ** Thus, the promotional offer is 36 * 0.25 = $<<36*0.25=9>>9 cheaper than the normal subscription.
#### 9