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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 is the term for knowing something before it happens?

2. What animal is referred to by the author?

3. What is often used to explain non-science?

4. What is often caused by childhood trauma?

5. Which is not one of the algorithms mentioned?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the author's opinion of the most common example of innumeracy?

2. How is it possible for people to ignore false outcomes in regards to probabilities?

3. Why was Freud's calculation incorrect? What was overlooked?

4. What is the discussion regarding the number of certainties involved in math?

5. Why is estimation important? Who does it affect?

6. What is Paulos' assertion regarding the principle of threes?

7. Why is the innumeracy in this case surprising to many?

8. What other fallacies were contributed by Freud?

9. Discuss the story of the student, the professor, and UFOs.

10. What is most frequently taught in elementary school math classes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Paulos tells a story of a man who is afraid of a bomb being aboard his airplane. Recount the story and the motive behind the man's actions. Does it make sense to you? According to Paulos' explanation, was it a logical or irrational move? What are the probabilities that the man was right? What are the odds that the bomb would go off in the man's briefcase? What might you have done in a similar situation?

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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