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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/whose formula is discussed?

2. People seem to have the most trouble when dealing with what area of numbers?

3. Where do the two people meet?

4. What item of clothing is used in an example?

5. What is the name of the mathematician who sees everything in numbers?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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)

This section contains 628 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample