Listers,

Someone wrote disparagingly of the computational acumen of Engr
candidates (can we assume student applicants for education?). I too have
heard such "revelations," starting with the convenience store clerks not
comprehending the math to make proper change for a $1.00. Possibly
there's more to it ...

If one were asked this fractional and decimal summation problem in a
casual setting, possibly the proportion of good answers would be
different and correct than if in a more charged situation that
admittance to a job, position, or program depended upon.
In the latter case I think I might opt for pencil and paper (1)
thinking the test is *also* of my procedures and past level of training,
(2) there is a greater chance of error due to, say, a decimal shift on
conversion in a mental process, and (3) it can reasonably be expected
that this is but the first of yet other pending questions, then a
notepad is the means of choice.

So, gentlemen, 'tis not what at first seemed a dumb process. You will
typically find this writer with note paper & pencil in his upper
pocket.

Peter B., who has other challenges to meet
-----------------------------------------

>>> plp@ACTCOM.CO.IL 04/26/02 02:48AM >>>
>I am appalled by how many "engineering" candidates can't add 1/8" to
>0.05" in their head.

I can't in inches. Only in mm ;-).

Peter

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