Question 1

Part A: What does the word concise mean as used in paragraph 16?

Accepted Answer

basic and repetitive

Answer

thoughtfully defined

Answer

graceful and sophisticated

Answer

worth the effort

Question 2

Part B: Which sentence from the text helps the reader understand the meaning of concise?

Accepted Answer

“All numbers can be expressed with the same 10 digits, merely by slotting them into the right places.”

Answer

“Ten is marked by a position—the 10s place—instead of a symbol.”

Answer

“Try doing that with words, tallies, or Roman numerals.”

Answer

“With place-value systems, you can program a machine to do arithmetic.”

Question 3

Part A: What is the central idea developed throughout the text?

Accepted Answer

As people have struggled to find efficient ways to represent numbers, systems have become more sophisticated.

Answer

Ezra Cornell was instrumental in advancing communications in the modern world.

Answer

Though most ancient cultures developed distinct ways of writing numbers, the system most people use today originated in ancient Babylon.

Answer

Roman numerals perform some functions better than others, so they are preferable to the more primitive tally system.

Question 4

Part B: Which sentence from the text contributes to the development of the idea that people have struggled to find efficient ways to represent numbers, systems have become more sophisticated?

Accepted Answer

“Since the dawn of civilization, people have tried various systems for writing numbers and reckoning with them, whether for trading, measuring land, or keeping track of the heard.”

Answer

“What nearly all of these systems have in common is that our biology is deeply embedded in them.”

Answer

“Unfortunately, Roman numerals creaked and groaned when faced with anything larger than a few thousand.”

Answer

“But the greatest legacy of the Babylonians is the idea that’s so commonplace today that few of us appreciate how subtle and ingenious it is.”

Question 5

How does the explanation of a base 2 place value system develop the author’s explanation of number systems?

Accepted Answer

It refines the idea that there are multiple efficient ways to manipulate numbers.

Answer

It highlights the belief that number systems are primarily based on human biology.

Answer

It develops the thought that modern number systems are influenced by the thinking of the ancient Babylonians.

Answer

It supports the explanation that the base 10 system is the most efficient way to express numbers.

Question 6

Part A: What can the reader conclude about the zero’s role in the base 10 place-value system?

Accepted Answer

It indicates the position of a number.

Answer

It proves that a number can be divided evenly.

Answer

It reveals the number that the numeric system is based on.

Answer

It indicates absence.

Question 7

Part B: Which paragraph begins to develop the answer in Part A?

Accepted Answer

Paragraph 12

Answer

Paragraph 11

Answer

Paragraph 9

Answer

Paragraph 13

Question 8

Which of these number systems is based on the repeated use of two symbols and place value?

Accepted Answer

binary

Answer

modern Hindu-Arabic

Answer

ancient Roman

Answer

ancient Babylonian

Question 9

Which of these number systems assigns symbols to numbers of significance?

Accepted Answer

ancient Roman

Answer

modern Hindu-Arabic

Answer

ancient Babylonian

Answer

binary

Question 10

Which of these number systems responsible for the idea that one number can be the basis for the entire system?

Accepted Answer

ancient Babylonian

Answer

ancient Roman

Answer

binary

Answer

modern Hindu-Arabic

Question 11

Which of these number systems uses base ten and the zero to express any number?

Accepted Answer

modern Hindu-Arabic

Answer

ancient Babylonian

Answer

binary

Answer

ancient Roman

Question 12

Part A: Why does the author most likely begin and end the passage with a description of Ezra Cornell’s statue?

Accepted Answer

In describing the depiction of the dates on the statue and Cornell’s accomplishments, the author establishes a link between numbers and human history, progress, and communication.

Answer

In focusing on the representation of Cornell’s dignified nature, the author connects his admiration for place value systems with his admiration for Cornell.

Answer

By analyzing the fact that the statue is inscribed with Roman numerals, the author introduces the idea that some systems are based on digits rather than logic.

Answer

By mentioning the telegraph machine at the rear of the statue, the author expresses his admiration for someone who used numbers to become a pioneer of automation.

Question 13

Part B: How does the answer to Part A impact the meaning of the passage?

Accepted Answer

It introduces the claim that numbers play a large part in shaping our world.

Answer

It introduces the argument that humans have finally developed a near-perfect number system.

Answer

It introduces the idea that anyone can master numbers with minimal effort.

Answer

It introduces the belief that numbers are more important than spoken language.

Question 14

Part A: Which sentence explains how the author structures his claims in the article?

Accepted Answer

He traces the evolution of different number systems throughout history by explaining how each system compares with the ones that preceded it.

Answer

He explains the strengths of several different number systems by highlighting the ways each deals with very large numbers.

Answer

He defines several different number systems by explaining how each relates to the ten digits on the human hand.

Answer

He describes the different number systems that have been used at various points in history by defining the importance of place value in each system.

Question 15

Part B: Which sentence explains how the structure of the article contributes to the author’s argument?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the claim that the search for a practical ways to manipulate numbers has contributed to advances in society.

Answer

It provides compelling support for the claim that technology cannot advance without the development of systems that fail first.

Answer

It accentuates the claim that all number systems can be improved as time progresses.

Answer

It explains the claim that base 10 is the most important advancement in the development of number systems.

Question 16

What is the most likely reason that the author begins his discussion of number systems with the overview the tally system and the human hand?

Accepted Answer

to contribute to the explanation as to why the Hindu-Arabic system is based on the number 10

Answer

to introduce the idea that inherently complex numbers can be boiled down to something as simple as biology

Answer

to present a detail supporting his belief that the Babylonians were unable to improve number systems

Answer

to support the idea that the Romans invented the first number system

Question 17

Which sentence best states how the author develops his point of view regarding Roman numerals?

Accepted Answer

He uses words such as “pompous” and describes using them as “creaking” to show that he believes Roman numerals may look impressive, but are actually an inefficient way of doing calculations.

Answer

He explains the simple logic of the position of the smaller number in relation to the larger number to show how patterns can make Roman numerals easier to use.

Answer

He compares the diagonal slash to the thumb to show his belief that Roman numerals elegantly represent the human hand.

Answer

He states that “the fun never stopped” to show that, while Roman numerals were inefficient, calculations using Roman numerals were still enjoyable.