TOEFL TEST SECTION 3(READING)<7>--Questions 3-5
Questions 3-5
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Few families have made more contributions to mathematics than the Bernoullis of Basel, Switzerland. Eight Bernoullis, over three generations spanning the years from 1680 to 1800, were distinguished mathematicians. Several helped build the new mathematics of probability.
James (1654-1705) and John (1667-1748) were sons of prosperous Swiss merchant and studied mathematics against the will of their father. Both were among the finest mathematicians of their times. James was the first to see clearly the idea of a long-run proportion as a way of measuring chance. His law of large numbers helped connect probability to the study of sequences of chance outcomes observed in human affairs.
Nicholas (1687-1759) and Daniel (1700-1782) also studied probability. Nicholas saw that the pattern of births of male and female children could be described by probability. Daniel studied mainly the mathematics of flowing fluids that was later applied to designing ships and aircraft. In the field of probability, he gave evidence for the effectiveness of inoculation against smallpox.
The Bernoulli family in mathematics, like their contemporaries the Bachs in music, are an unusual example of talent in one field appearing in successive generations. Their work helped probability grow from its birthplace in the gambling hall to a respectable tool with worldwide applications.
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3. Which of the following is the main topic of the passage?
(a) The origins of the new mathematics of probability
(b) Mathematical development in the period from 1680 to 1800
(c) Contributions of one family to the study of probability
(d) Past and present applications of probability theory
4. What is the main idea of the passage?
(a) The Bernoullis developed several practical applications of probability.
(b) James Bernoulli’s law of large numbers influenced the study of human affairs.
(c) The Bernoulli and Bach families were the finest mathematicians of their times.
(d) Probability grew from its questionable origins in the gambling hall.
5. The passage supports all of the following statements EXCEPT
(a) some families show evidence of talent in one field
(b) probability has several useful applications
(c) the Bernoulli family was prominent in the field of mathematics
(d) studying mathematics was popular in the time of the Bernoullis