Comprehension

Mathematics is in many ways the most elaborate and sophisticated of the sciences or __________ so it seems to me, as a mathematician. So I find both a special pleasure and constraint in describing the progress of mathematics, because it has been part of so much human speculation; a ladder for mystical as well as rational thought in the intellectual ascent of man. However there are some concepts that any account of mathematics should include: the logical idea of proof, the empirical idea of exact laws of nature (of space particularly), the emergence of the concept of operations, and the movement in mathematics from a static to a dynamic description of nature. They form the theme of this essay.
Even very primitive peoples have a number system; they may not count much beyond four, but they know that two of anything plus two of the same thing makes four, not just sometimes but always. From that fundamental step, many cultures have built their own number systems, usually as a written language with similar conventions. The Babylonians, the Mayans, and the people of India, for example, invented essentially the same way of writing large numbers as a sequence of digits that we use, although they lived far apart in space and in time.
So there is no place and no moment in history where I could stand and say `Arithmetic begins here, now.' People have been counting, as they have been talking, in every culture. Arithmetic, like language, begins in legend. But mathematics in our sense, reasoning with numbers is another matter. And it is to look for the origin of that, at the hinge of legend and history that I went sailing to the island of Samos.

Question: 1

Why does the writer of this passage think mathematics is one of the most sophisticated of sciences?

Show Hint

When identifying the reasoning behind the writer's opinion, focus on the key phrases in the passage that highlight the subject's characteristics. In this case, the emphasis on logic and exactness is central.
Updated On: Nov 24, 2025
  • Because the writer is a mathematician
  • Because mathematics has been a part of much human speculation
  • Because it is an exact and logical subject
  • Because it has evolved as our understanding of nature has evolved
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the question.
The question asks why the writer considers mathematics to be one of the most sophisticated sciences, based on the passage provided.
Step 2: Analyzing the passage.
In the passage, the writer emphasizes that mathematics involves reasoning with numbers and is built upon logical concepts. The writer describes mathematics as a discipline that is both precise and logical, contrasting it with other forms of speculation and intellectual thought. Step 3: Conclusion.
The writer believes that mathematics is sophisticated because it is based on exact and logical principles. Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Because it is an exact and logical subject.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 2

The following is implied in the passage:

Show Hint

Look for phrases or ideas that are suggested indirectly in the passage. In this case, the development of number systems in different cultures implies that these systems are conventional.
Updated On: Nov 24, 2025
  • Number systems and language are a matter of convention.
  • The progress of mathematics is a speculative issue.
  • Mathematicians consider mathematics as the most sophisticated of the sciences.
  • The island of Samos is where arithmetic began.
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the question.
The question asks what is implied by the writer in the passage. We need to look for statements that are not explicitly stated but can be inferred.
Step 2: Analyzing the passage.
The passage discusses how number systems and language are related and how they have developed across different cultures. It mentions that every culture has developed their own system for numbers, and that mathematics has evolved over time. The key idea is that number systems are a matter of convention, as each culture has its own way of representing numbers.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) Number systems and language are a matter of convention, as this idea is implied in the passage.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 3

Select the option that captures the science of mathematics according to the passage:

Show Hint

When answering questions based on a passage, look for all the key concepts that the passage mentions directly or indirectly.
Updated On: Nov 24, 2025
  • a, b, d
  • a, c, d
  • a, b, c, d
  • None of the above
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the question.
The question asks which aspects of mathematics the passage describes. We need to focus on the concepts mentioned in the passage.
Step 2: Analyzing the passage.
The passage covers the following points about mathematics:
- Logical proof: The passage discusses how mathematics is based on proof and logical reasoning.
- Reasoning with numbers: The passage highlights the role of numbers in reasoning and thought.
- Representation of large numbers: The writer mentions how cultures have developed ways of writing large numbers.
- Concept of mathematical operations: The passage touches upon the evolution of mathematical operations.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) a, b, c, d, as all these aspects are discussed in the passage.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 4

Select the most appropriate title for the passage from the options below:

Show Hint

When selecting a title for a passage, focus on the major themes and ideas that the passage explores. The title should reflect the central ideas.
Updated On: Nov 24, 2025
  • Mathematics in the Intellectual Evolution of Mankind
  • Mathematics: A Quantitative Expression of Human Experience
  • Mathematics: An Abstract of the Concrete
  • Mathematics and Language: At the Hinge of Legend and History
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the question.
The question asks for the most appropriate title for the passage. To answer this, we need to consider the key themes of the passage.
Step 2: Analyzing the passage.
The passage discusses the relationship between mathematics and language, their evolution, and their importance in human history. The writer reflects on how both mathematics and language have developed over time, with mathematics playing a key role in intellectual growth and historical understanding.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) Mathematics and Language: At the Hinge of Legend and History, as it best captures the themes of the passage.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top Questions on Creative Thinking

View More Questions

Questions Asked in MICAT exam

View More Questions