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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. The author believes people need to learn how to understand _______.

2. What did the explorer discover?

3. What type of doctor was he?

4. Where do the strangers live?

5. Which/whose formula is discussed?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Who was the mathematician responsible for discovering one of the most important discoveries?

8. What is the Archimedes Principle?

9. What is the coincidence surrounding Christopher Columbus?

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

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

Winning streaks are a big topic in regards to probabilities. What are Paulos' explanations regarding winning streaks? Which examples are used? Do you agree or disagree with Paulos? Explain. Use at least five examples of unnoticed winning or losing streaks compared to public perception and the correlation to mathematical principles.

Essay Topic 3

What is the common practice of teaching logic in elementary school? To what does Paulos compare the study of logic? Do you agree or disagree? How could logic be best employed in the classroom? How does it apply to every day life? How might one make the study of logic fun? How did you learn about logic?

(see the answer keys)

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