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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 mathematician is from what country?

2. What news professional makes common errors in predictions?

3. Who is the first doctor mentioned?

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

5. Paulos believes that the theory may seem:

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What is the coincidence surrounding Christopher Columbus?

6. How would embracing scientific notation help people with large numbers?

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

8. How does Paulos feel when people attempt to diagnose his personality by his astrological sign?

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

10. How is that encounter explained?

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

The example of two drug traffickers is used to illustrate one of Paulos' theories. What was it? Do you think the example was accurate? Was it informative? Which result was most likely to happen? Could the outcome have been predicted? How? If you were to predict the outcome without knowing the value of the product, what would you predict? Why?

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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