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Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the field before their thirtieth birthday. Many experts who study math’s best practitioners believe that this occurs because aging impairs, rather than enhances, the creativity and strict logical thinking that are required to create new theorems. A recent study, however, demonstrates that nearly all mathematicians who reached their professional peak after their thirtieth birthday began studying mathematics at a much older age than their peers. Because of their atypical genius, many mathematicians are fast-tracked through academia and begin their professional studies five to ten years earlier than normal. As a result, this study suggests that age is less predictive than is tenure in determining whether a mathematician over thirty may contribute greatly to the field.
In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
  • a)
    The first is a theory that is questioned by the argument; the second is new evidence used to support that theory.
  • b)
    The first is a theory that the argument opposes; the second is an objection raised against the alternative theory advocated by the argument.
  • c)
    The first is an opinion advanced in support of a position; the second is new evidence that clarifies that position.
  • d)
    The first is a theory advocated by the argument; the second is new evidence used to question that theory.
  • e)
    The first is a theory that the argument questions; the second is new evidence on which that question is based.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
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Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the...
Identify the Question Type: The words “portions in boldface” indicate that this as a Bolded Statement question.
The answer will describe the roles of the two bolded statements in the argument.
Untangle the Stimulus: Untangle the stimulus in a Bolded Statement question by identifying the purpose of every sentence in the stimulus. This will make it easier to predict the purpose of the two statements asked about.
Here, the first sentence describes a phenomenon.
The second sentence, which contains the first bolded portion, describes one possible theory for this phenomenon, as indicated by the keyword “because.”
The third sentence, which contains the second bolded portion, contradicts that theory, as indicated by the keyword, “however.”
The bolded portion doesn't offer a new theory; instead, it describes some observed evidence. The next sentence provides more evidence, and then the final sentence ultimately presents an alternative theory supported by the evidence previously presented, as indicated by the words, "as a result, this study suggests."
Predict the Answer: The first bolded portion is the theory that the author disagrees with. The second bolded portion is evidence to support the author's alternative theory.
Evaluate the Choices: (E) is a great match for the prediction and is correct. The first statement is indeed a theory that the author questions, and the second statement is evidence to support the author's "question," or argument against that theory.
(A) is wrong because the second boldface statement does not provide evidence for the first theory.
(B), like (A), starts correctly but breaks down in the second part. The second statement supports, not objects to, the alternative theory.
(C) is wrong because the second bolded portion does not clarify the first theory, it supports an contradictory theory.
(D) is incorrect because the argument ultimately rejects, rather than “advocates,” the theory in the first boldface statement.
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Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.Among the speculative questions which arise in connection with the study of arithmetic from a historical standpoint, the origin of number is one that has provoked much lively discussion, and has led to a great amount of learned research among the primitive and savage languages of the human race. A few simple considerations will, however, show that such research must necessarily leave this question entirely unsettled, and will indicate clearly that it is, from the very nature of things, a question to which no definite and final answer can be given. Among the barbarous tribes whose languages have been studied, even in a most cursory manner, none have ever been discovered which did not show some familiarity with the number concept. The knowledge thus indicated has often proved to be most limited; not extending beyond the numbers 1 and 2, or 1, 2, and 3. At first thought it seems quite inconceivable that any human being should be destitute of the power of counting beyond 2. But such is the case; and in a few instances languages have been found to be absolutely destitute of pure numeral words.These facts must of necessity deter the mathematician from seeking to push his investigation too far back toward the very origin of number. Philosophers have endeavoured to establish certain propositions concerning this subject, but, as might have been expected, have failed to reach any common ground of agreement. Whewell has maintained that “such propositions as that two and three make five are necessary truths, containing in them an element of certainty beyond that which mere experience can give.” Mill, on the other hand, argues that any such statement merely expresses a truth derived from early and constant experience; and in this view he is heartily supported by Tylor.But why this question should provoke controversy, it is difficult for the mathematician to understand. Either view would seem to be correct, according to the standpoint from which the question is approached. We know of no language in which the suggestion of number does not appear, and we must admit that the words which give expression to the number sense would be among the early words to be formed in any language. They express ideas which are, at first, wholly concrete, which are of the greatest possible simplicity, and which seem in many ways to be clearly understood, even by the higher orders of the brute creation. The origin of number would in itself, then, appear to lie beyond the proper limits of inquiry; and the primitive conception of number to be fundamental with human thought.Q.The author of the passage would most probably agree with each of the following EXCEPT

Though the truism about Inuits having a hundred words for snow is an exaggeration, languages really are full of charming quirks that reveal the character of a culture. Dialects of Scottish Gaelic, for instance, traditionally spoken in the Highlands and, later on, in fishing villages, have a great many very specific words for seaweed, as well as names for each of the components of a rabbit snare and a word for an egg that emerges from a hen sans shell. Unfortunately for those who find these details fascinating, languages are going extinct at an incredible clip, - one dies every 14 days - and linguists are rushing around with tape recorders and word lists, trying to record at least a fragment of each before they go. The only way the old tongues will stick around is if populations themselves decide that there is something of value in them, whether for reasons of patriotism, cultural heritage, or just to lure in some language-curious tourists. But even when the general public opinion is for preservation of their linguistic diversity, linguists are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve such a task.Mathematicians can help linguists out in this mission. To provide a test environment for programs that encourage the learning of endangered local languages, Anne Kandler and her colleagues decided to make a mathematical model of the speakers of Scottish Gaelic. This was an apposite choice because the local population was already becoming increasingly conscious about the cultural value of their language and statistics of the Gaelic speakers was readily available. The model the mathematicians built not only uses statistics such as the number of people speaking the languages, the number of polyglots and rate of change in these numbers but also figures which represent the economic value of the language and the perceived cultural value amongst people. These numbers were substituted in the differential equations of the model to find out the number of new Gaelic speakers required annually to stop the dwindling of the Gaelic population. The estimate of the number determined by Kandlers research helped the national Gaelic Development Agency to formulate an effective plan towards the preserving the language. Many languages such as Quechua, Chinook and Istrian Vlashki can be saved using such mathematical models. Results from mathematical equations can be useful in strategically planning preservation strategies. Similarly mathematical analysis of languages which have survived against many odds can also provide useful insights which can be applied towards saving other endangered languages.Which of the following best describes the relation of the first paragraph to the passage as a whole?

Though the truism about Inuits having a hundred words for snow is an exaggeration, languages really are full of charming quirks that reveal the character of a culture. Dialects of Scottish Gaelic, for instance, traditionally spoken in the Highlands and, later on, in fishing villages, have a great many very specific words for seaweed, as well as names for each of the components of a rabbit snare and a word for an egg that emerges from a hen sans shell. Unfortunately for those who find these details fascinating, languages are going extinct at an incredible clip, - one dies every 14 days - and linguists are rushing around with tape recorders and word lists, trying to record at least a fragment of each before they go. The only way the old tongues will stick around is if populations themselves decide that there is something of value in them, whether for reasons of patriotism, cultural heritage, or just to lure in some language-curious tourists. But even when the general public opinion is for preservation of their linguistic diversity, linguists are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve such a task.Mathematicians can help linguists out in this mission. To provide a test environment for programs that encourage the learning of endangered local languages, Anne Kandler and her colleagues decided to make a mathematical model of the speakers of Scottish Gaelic. This was an apposite choice because the local population was already becoming increasingly conscious about the cultural value of their language and statistics of the Gaelic speakers was readily available. The model the mathematicians built not only uses statistics such as the number of people speaking the languages, the number of polyglots and rate of change in these numbers but also figures which represent the economic value of the language and the perceived cultural value amongst people. These numbers were substituted in the differential equations of the model to find out the number of new Gaelic speakers required annually to stop the dwindling of the Gaelic population. The estimate of the number determined by Kandlers research helped the national Gaelic Development Agency to formulate an effective plan towards the preserving the language. Many languages such as Quechua, Chinook and Istrian Vlashki can be saved using such mathematical models. Results from mathematical equations can be useful in strategically planning preservation strategies. Similarly mathematical analysis of languages which have survived against many odds can also provide useful insights which can be applied towards saving other endangered languages.The Authors conclusion that languages such as Quechua, Chinook, and Istrian Vlashki can be saved using such mathematical models (beginning of last para.) is most weakened if which of the following is found to be true?

Though the truism about Inuits having a hundred words for snow is an exaggeration, languages really are full of charming quirks that reveal the character of a culture. Dialects of Scottish Gaelic, for instance, traditionally spoken in the Highlands and, later on, in fishing villages, have a great many very specific words for seaweed, as well as names for each of the components of a rabbit snare and a word for an egg that emerges from a hen sans shell. Unfortunately for those who find these details fascinating, languages are going extinct at an incredible clip, - one dies every 14 days - and linguists are rushing around with tape recorders and word lists, trying to record at least a fragment of each before they go. The only way the old tongues will stick around is if populations themselves decide that there is something of value in them, whether for reasons of patriotism, cultural heritage, or just to lure in some language-curious tourists. But even when the general public opinion is for preservation of their linguistic diversity, linguists are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve such a task.Mathematicians can help linguists out in this mission. To provide a test environment for programs that encourage the learning of endangered local languages, Anne Kandler and her colleagues decided to make a mathematical model of the speakers of Scottish Gaelic. This was an apposite choice because the local population was already becoming increasingly conscious about the cultural value of their language and statistics of the Gaelic speakers was readily available. The model the mathematicians built not only uses statistics such as the number of people speaking the languages, the number of polyglots and rate of change in these numbers but also figures which represent the economic value of the language and the perceived cultural value amongst people. These numbers were substituted in the differential equations of the model to find out the number of new Gaelic speakers required annually to stop the dwindling of the Gaelic population. The estimate of the number determined by Kandlers research helped the national Gaelic Development Agency to formulate an effective plan towards the preserving the language. Many languages such as Quechua, Chinook and Istrian Vlashki can be saved using such mathematical models. Results from mathematical equations can be useful in strategically planning preservation strategies. Similarly mathematical analysis of languages which have survived against many odds can also provide useful insights which can be applied towards saving other endangered languages.The passage is primarily concerned with which of the following?

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Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the field before their thirtieth birthday. Many experts who study math’s best practitioners believe that this occurs because aging impairs, rather than enhances, the creativity and strict logical thinking that are required to create new theorems. A recent study, however, demonstrates that nearly all mathematicians who reached their professional peak after their thirtieth birthday began studying mathematics at a much older age than their peers. Because of their atypical genius, many mathematicians are fast-tracked through academia and begin their professional studies five to ten years earlier than normal. As a result, this study suggests that age is less predictive than is tenure in determining whether a mathematician over thirty may contribute greatly to the field.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a theory that is questioned by the argument; the second is new evidence used to support that theory.b)The first is a theory that the argument opposes; the second is an objection raised against the alternative theory advocated by the argument.c)The first is an opinion advanced in support of a position; the second is new evidence that clarifies that position.d)The first is a theory advocated by the argument; the second is new evidence used to question that theory.e)The first is a theory that the argument questions; the second is new evidence on which that question is based.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
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Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the field before their thirtieth birthday. Many experts who study math’s best practitioners believe that this occurs because aging impairs, rather than enhances, the creativity and strict logical thinking that are required to create new theorems. A recent study, however, demonstrates that nearly all mathematicians who reached their professional peak after their thirtieth birthday began studying mathematics at a much older age than their peers. Because of their atypical genius, many mathematicians are fast-tracked through academia and begin their professional studies five to ten years earlier than normal. As a result, this study suggests that age is less predictive than is tenure in determining whether a mathematician over thirty may contribute greatly to the field.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a theory that is questioned by the argument; the second is new evidence used to support that theory.b)The first is a theory that the argument opposes; the second is an objection raised against the alternative theory advocated by the argument.c)The first is an opinion advanced in support of a position; the second is new evidence that clarifies that position.d)The first is a theory advocated by the argument; the second is new evidence used to question that theory.e)The first is a theory that the argument questions; the second is new evidence on which that question is based.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2025 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the field before their thirtieth birthday. Many experts who study math’s best practitioners believe that this occurs because aging impairs, rather than enhances, the creativity and strict logical thinking that are required to create new theorems. A recent study, however, demonstrates that nearly all mathematicians who reached their professional peak after their thirtieth birthday began studying mathematics at a much older age than their peers. Because of their atypical genius, many mathematicians are fast-tracked through academia and begin their professional studies five to ten years earlier than normal. As a result, this study suggests that age is less predictive than is tenure in determining whether a mathematician over thirty may contribute greatly to the field.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a theory that is questioned by the argument; the second is new evidence used to support that theory.b)The first is a theory that the argument opposes; the second is an objection raised against the alternative theory advocated by the argument.c)The first is an opinion advanced in support of a position; the second is new evidence that clarifies that position.d)The first is a theory advocated by the argument; the second is new evidence used to question that theory.e)The first is a theory that the argument questions; the second is new evidence on which that question is based.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the field before their thirtieth birthday. Many experts who study math’s best practitioners believe that this occurs because aging impairs, rather than enhances, the creativity and strict logical thinking that are required to create new theorems. A recent study, however, demonstrates that nearly all mathematicians who reached their professional peak after their thirtieth birthday began studying mathematics at a much older age than their peers. Because of their atypical genius, many mathematicians are fast-tracked through academia and begin their professional studies five to ten years earlier than normal. As a result, this study suggests that age is less predictive than is tenure in determining whether a mathematician over thirty may contribute greatly to the field.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a theory that is questioned by the argument; the second is new evidence used to support that theory.b)The first is a theory that the argument opposes; the second is an objection raised against the alternative theory advocated by the argument.c)The first is an opinion advanced in support of a position; the second is new evidence that clarifies that position.d)The first is a theory advocated by the argument; the second is new evidence used to question that theory.e)The first is a theory that the argument questions; the second is new evidence on which that question is based.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the field before their thirtieth birthday. Many experts who study math’s best practitioners believe that this occurs because aging impairs, rather than enhances, the creativity and strict logical thinking that are required to create new theorems. A recent study, however, demonstrates that nearly all mathematicians who reached their professional peak after their thirtieth birthday began studying mathematics at a much older age than their peers. Because of their atypical genius, many mathematicians are fast-tracked through academia and begin their professional studies five to ten years earlier than normal. As a result, this study suggests that age is less predictive than is tenure in determining whether a mathematician over thirty may contribute greatly to the field.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a theory that is questioned by the argument; the second is new evidence used to support that theory.b)The first is a theory that the argument opposes; the second is an objection raised against the alternative theory advocated by the argument.c)The first is an opinion advanced in support of a position; the second is new evidence that clarifies that position.d)The first is a theory advocated by the argument; the second is new evidence used to question that theory.e)The first is a theory that the argument questions; the second is new evidence on which that question is based.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GMAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GMAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the field before their thirtieth birthday. Many experts who study math’s best practitioners believe that this occurs because aging impairs, rather than enhances, the creativity and strict logical thinking that are required to create new theorems. A recent study, however, demonstrates that nearly all mathematicians who reached their professional peak after their thirtieth birthday began studying mathematics at a much older age than their peers. Because of their atypical genius, many mathematicians are fast-tracked through academia and begin their professional studies five to ten years earlier than normal. As a result, this study suggests that age is less predictive than is tenure in determining whether a mathematician over thirty may contribute greatly to the field.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a theory that is questioned by the argument; the second is new evidence used to support that theory.b)The first is a theory that the argument opposes; the second is an objection raised against the alternative theory advocated by the argument.c)The first is an opinion advanced in support of a position; the second is new evidence that clarifies that position.d)The first is a theory advocated by the argument; the second is new evidence used to question that theory.e)The first is a theory that the argument questions; the second is new evidence on which that question is based.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the field before their thirtieth birthday. Many experts who study math’s best practitioners believe that this occurs because aging impairs, rather than enhances, the creativity and strict logical thinking that are required to create new theorems. A recent study, however, demonstrates that nearly all mathematicians who reached their professional peak after their thirtieth birthday began studying mathematics at a much older age than their peers. Because of their atypical genius, many mathematicians are fast-tracked through academia and begin their professional studies five to ten years earlier than normal. As a result, this study suggests that age is less predictive than is tenure in determining whether a mathematician over thirty may contribute greatly to the field.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a theory that is questioned by the argument; the second is new evidence used to support that theory.b)The first is a theory that the argument opposes; the second is an objection raised against the alternative theory advocated by the argument.c)The first is an opinion advanced in support of a position; the second is new evidence that clarifies that position.d)The first is a theory advocated by the argument; the second is new evidence used to question that theory.e)The first is a theory that the argument questions; the second is new evidence on which that question is based.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the field before their thirtieth birthday. Many experts who study math’s best practitioners believe that this occurs because aging impairs, rather than enhances, the creativity and strict logical thinking that are required to create new theorems. A recent study, however, demonstrates that nearly all mathematicians who reached their professional peak after their thirtieth birthday began studying mathematics at a much older age than their peers. Because of their atypical genius, many mathematicians are fast-tracked through academia and begin their professional studies five to ten years earlier than normal. As a result, this study suggests that age is less predictive than is tenure in determining whether a mathematician over thirty may contribute greatly to the field.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a theory that is questioned by the argument; the second is new evidence used to support that theory.b)The first is a theory that the argument opposes; the second is an objection raised against the alternative theory advocated by the argument.c)The first is an opinion advanced in support of a position; the second is new evidence that clarifies that position.d)The first is a theory advocated by the argument; the second is new evidence used to question that theory.e)The first is a theory that the argument questions; the second is new evidence on which that question is based.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the field before their thirtieth birthday. Many experts who study math’s best practitioners believe that this occurs because aging impairs, rather than enhances, the creativity and strict logical thinking that are required to create new theorems. A recent study, however, demonstrates that nearly all mathematicians who reached their professional peak after their thirtieth birthday began studying mathematics at a much older age than their peers. Because of their atypical genius, many mathematicians are fast-tracked through academia and begin their professional studies five to ten years earlier than normal. As a result, this study suggests that age is less predictive than is tenure in determining whether a mathematician over thirty may contribute greatly to the field.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a theory that is questioned by the argument; the second is new evidence used to support that theory.b)The first is a theory that the argument opposes; the second is an objection raised against the alternative theory advocated by the argument.c)The first is an opinion advanced in support of a position; the second is new evidence that clarifies that position.d)The first is a theory advocated by the argument; the second is new evidence used to question that theory.e)The first is a theory that the argument questions; the second is new evidence on which that question is based.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Mathematicians typically formulate their greatest contributions to the field before their thirtieth birthday. Many experts who study math’s best practitioners believe that this occurs because aging impairs, rather than enhances, the creativity and strict logical thinking that are required to create new theorems. A recent study, however, demonstrates that nearly all mathematicians who reached their professional peak after their thirtieth birthday began studying mathematics at a much older age than their peers. Because of their atypical genius, many mathematicians are fast-tracked through academia and begin their professional studies five to ten years earlier than normal. As a result, this study suggests that age is less predictive than is tenure in determining whether a mathematician over thirty may contribute greatly to the field.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first is a theory that is questioned by the argument; the second is new evidence used to support that theory.b)The first is a theory that the argument opposes; the second is an objection raised against the alternative theory advocated by the argument.c)The first is an opinion advanced in support of a position; the second is new evidence that clarifies that position.d)The first is a theory advocated by the argument; the second is new evidence used to question that theory.e)The first is a theory that the argument questions; the second is new evidence on which that question is based.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
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