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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. Where do the two people meet?

2. What is another name for those not proficient in math?

3. Where is the stadium located?

4. Which group does this coincidence often apply to?

5. Where was the inventor from?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Paulos argue about the existence of coincidences?

2. What do doctors often do that is mathematically incorrect?

3. Where does the author believe most people fit in?

4. How does Paulos compare misuse of language to the misuse of calculating probability?

5. What is the coincidence surrounding Christopher Columbus?

6. What would be one of the easiest ways to reduce or eliminate errors?

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

8. Examine the first story told by Paulos in this chapter.

9. How was the situation in the story handled? How did it involve probability?

10. How is that encounter explained?

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

List at least three incorrect examples of grammar and three incorrect examples of math. Compare and contrast the problems. Which is more severe? Which is most likely to be noticed? Before reading this book would you have noticed either or both? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Paulos talks about relating various mathematical functions and algorithms to every day life. Why? What is different about using math in the classroom as opposed to every day events? How could it benefit or hinder one's learning process? Give examples of the use of these functions in at least five scenarios.

(see the answer keys)

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