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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through In Somewhat Indifferent Health.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Kanigel describe Ramanujan as a potential husband?
(a) Uninteresting.
(b) Undesirable.
(c) Appealing.
(d) Frightful.

2. When does Kanigel say Ramanujan got hold of 'A Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics'?
(a) At 16.
(b) At 19.
(c) At 13.
(d) At 10.

3. What is a nested square root?
(a) The framework of assumptions within which a series of square roots resolves to a negative number.
(b) A series of square roots of square roots.
(c) A series of square roots that resolve to prime numbers.
(d) An infinite series of square roots.

4. What was the result of Ramanujan clinging to his cultural practices?
(a) He brought Indian culture to English intellectuals.
(b) He taught English students how to cook Indian dishes.
(c) He remained an outsider.
(d) He generated fear and hostility in those around him.

5. When did Ramanujan write to Hardy?
(a) 1920.
(b) 1916.
(c) 1909.
(d) 1913.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Kanigel describe life in Ramanujan's hometown?

2. What did the divergent series 1+2+3+4+5... add up to in Ramanujan's notebooks?

3. What distinguished Ramanujan's class?

4. How does Kanigel say Ramanujan saw himself when he was returning to India?

5. What makes 'A Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics' notable, according to Kanigel?

(see the answer key)

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