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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 phrase is often used incorrectly?

2. What type of academic would most likely cringe over a misused word?

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

4. Who made one of the most important and yet simple mathematical discoveries?

5. Paulos believes that most people fall where in their mathematical understanding?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who is the second famous doctor introduced by Paulos? Which topic was this doctor fascinated by?

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

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

5. What is the Archimedes Principle?

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

7. Why do people tend to be fascinated by coincidences?

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

9. How does Paulos feel when people attempt to diagnose his personality by his astrological sign?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose at least three famous people. Link yourself to that person through as few intermediate links as possible. Were you surprised at the results? Write out each experiment and compare results.

Essay Topic 2

What is the purpose of polling? How is it done? What missteps can cause a poll to be inaccurate? How can the issue be resolved? Give at least three examples of polls, methods, and why they are important.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss how technology affects a person's math skills. Is it okay to use technology at any time? What does Paulos believe technology encourages? Do you agree or disagree? Explain. What is the most effective way to use technology in regards to math? What do you think has been the most effective and/or significant invention in regards to technology and mathematics?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 633 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample