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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which group does this coincidence often apply to?

2. What theory states that any number, no matter how large, can be achieved by adding smaller numbers together?

3. Which of the following is not in the list of things over which people become obsessed?

4. Which explorer is referenced?

5. In what year did the Italian scientist make this discovery?

Short Essay Questions

1. The author believes that people are often obsessed by what topics?

2. How is that encounter explained?

3. What amusing example does Paulos use to illustrate the misunderstanding of numbers?

4. Discuss the first of the most famous examples of coincidence.

5. What is the example used by Paulos to demonstrate the connections between people?

6. Which famous doctor does Paulos introduce first? What is the doctor's opinion?

7. The first example Paulos uses about percentages relates to weather forecasters. What is the mistake?

8. What is Paulos' suggestion for making math more understandable to the general public?

9. What is the last principle discussed in chapter 1?

10. What is the example used to separate numerates from innumerates?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast causation and correlation as seen by Paulos. Give examples of correct and incorrect uses. What are the most common errors? How can the errors be corrected and the misuse resolved?

Essay Topic 2

Paulos takes issue with the lack of proper focus on the skill of estimation. Examine Paulos' reasoning about the importance of estimation. In your eyes, is estimating an important skill? Explain. What can be gained by making estimations? How do you know when your sample group is large enough? Is it determined by the activity or question or are all sample groups the same size? What are the most common mistakes made when estimating? Can you prove the answer arrived upon is correct or incorrect? How? Create at least five examples of estimation as they might be found in every day situations.

Essay Topic 3

Examine Paulos' example of the weather forecaster and the common mistake made when predicting rain. Why is it incorrect? What would the correct answer be? What principle would you use to figure out the right answer? Is there any time when that type of innumerate thinking might be accurate? Give at least two examples of similar situations.

(see the answer keys)

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