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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. What item of clothing is used in an example?

2. People often compare which event?

3. What item in the structure is referenced?

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

5. What number is used in the joke about the population of the city?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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