tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28172905.post5806501363632655564..comments2024-03-03T17:53:46.947-05:00Comments on (x, why?): What's Wrong with this Math Problem?(x, why?)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17499160002806879025noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28172905.post-455029489997345852010-03-09T16:08:47.176-05:002010-03-09T16:08:47.176-05:00The Regents exam, in its current form, contains 30...The Regents exam, in its current form, contains 30 multiple choice questions in Part 1, followed by nine more questions of increasing difficulty in Parts 2, 3 and 4. All work has to be shown to receive the full 2, 3 or 4 points for the question. (Partial credit is allowed, according to a rubric.)<br /><br />A question such as the one asked might be a 2-pt question although it is actually a little too simple.(x, why?)https://www.blogger.com/profile/17499160002806879025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28172905.post-59586092969079266372010-03-09T09:53:53.770-05:002010-03-09T09:53:53.770-05:00Assuming (there's that word again) the Regent&...Assuming (there's that word again) the Regent's is like the state testing I'm familiar with, i.e. standardized tests with multiple choice answers that are machine-scored, first of all no-one will see the work on the scratch paper, and second, the choices available can either resolve or confuse the problem worse. Either way, there is no recourse for a student to defend their interpretation and answer.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13170554855398457236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28172905.post-86229165213968437982010-03-08T08:47:50.793-05:002010-03-08T08:47:50.793-05:00The assumptions and (lack of) precise wording is p...The assumptions and (lack of) precise wording is part of the problem. With those corrected, it is a fine problem. However, as is, it would lead to confusion and cost students points on the Regents. (*I* would own up to my mistake and credit both answers depending upon the work shown.)<br /><br />Even your answer is ambiguous: <br />"the second car would reach the first 4 hours after it leaves."<br /><br />By the rules of antecedents, "it" would apply to "the first", which would be incorrect. Again, I knew what you meant, but would I know if that's what the student meant? Again, depends on the work shown.(x, why?)https://www.blogger.com/profile/17499160002806879025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28172905.post-44788101960438098102010-03-08T04:55:48.114-05:002010-03-08T04:55:48.114-05:00The problem is fine. Even better, it demonstrates ...The problem is fine. Even better, it demonstrates that you can't just answer it with a value.<br /><br />Maths is a tool for calculating results, interpreting the problems/results is different to calculating the results, but also important.<br /><br />The solution, with an interpretation, requires a sentence (or a few).<br />"Assuming no interferences, and that the cars maintain a constant velocity (no accelerating at the start, no turning, etc), the second car would reach the first 4 hours after it leaves."<br /><br />With some assumptions and precise wording, the answer defines itself as correct.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com