Textbook Solution: Powerful Moves | Class 6 English Alive PDF Download

A. Choose the correct option.

a. Sissa.

 b. Sheram, the king. 

c. the prime minister

Answer: a. Sissa.

Explanation: Sissa was acknowledged as the inventor of chess when the king asked who created the game, and a courtier confirmed it was Sissa, a subject of his own kingdom.

Q2: The king wanted the wise man to come to his court because he wanted to

a. punish him. 

b. consult him. 

c. reward him.

Answer: c. reward him.

Explanation: The king, after learning who invented chess, expressed his desire to reward the inventor, which is why he summoned Sissa to the court.

Q3: What did Sissa want from the king?

a. wheat grains 

b. a piece of land 

c. some gold coins

Answer: a. wheat grains.

Explanation: Sissa requested grains of wheat from the king, specifying a particular sequence for the amount of grain to be given for each square of the chessboard.

B. Answer these questions briefly.

Q1: Why was the king surprised on seeing Sissa?

Answer:  The king was surprised because Sissa's simple and worn appearance did not match his expectations of the inventor of such a complex and remarkable game as chess.Explanation: The king expected someone of great stature or perhaps with a more impressive appearance, given the ingenuity required to invent chess, which contrasted sharply with Sissa's humble look.

The king had to give the sage grains based on a certain sequence. 

Q2: Explain the calculation.

Answer: Sissa asked for grains of wheat for each square of the chessboard, starting with two grains for the first square and doubling the amount for each subsequent square. This means the second square would have four grains, the third would have eight, and so forth, following an exponential growth pattern.

Explanation: The sequence involves powers of two, where the number of grains doubles with each additional square, reflecting an exponential increase, which quickly results in a very large number of grains.

Q3: Why did the king ask the royal astronomer for the scroll of paper?

Answer: The king asked for the scroll to better organize his thoughts and calculations, as he was losing track while trying to do them in his head.

Explanation: The scroll had the numbers and calculations written down, making it easier for the king to follow and verify the astronomer's explanation about the massive total amount of grain owed to Sissa.

Q4: What problem did the prime minister point out to the king regarding the reward?

Answer: The prime minister informed the king that the total amount of grain Sissa requested was so immense that they were still counting it and would not have enough to fulfill the promise.

Explanation: The king had inadvertently agreed to a reward that would exceed the kingdom's resources, showcasing the wisdom of Sissa's request and highlighting the king's oversight.

C. Think and answer the questions.

Q1: Why did a simple request turn out to be such a difficult calculation? Discuss the magic of numbers in this context.

Answer: Sissa's request, while appearing simple—asking for grains of wheat—involved an exponential function that resulted in a huge number, showcasing how numbers can grow rapidly and reach large magnitudes even from a small initial value.

Explanation: This story illustrates the concept of geometric progression and how numbers can deceive our intuitive sense of scale, emphasizing the importance of understanding mathematical principles in everyday decisions.

Q2: Don't judge a book by its cover. Explain this proverb with reference to the story.

Answer: This proverb means one should not judge someone or something by their appearance alone. In the story, Sissa, despite his simple clothing and humble appearance, was the wise inventor of chess, capable of challenging the king with his intellectual depth.

Explanation: Sissa’s appearance led the king to underestimate him initially, but his clever request for grains of wheat revealed his profound wisdom and the king's superficial judgment based on appearances.

Q3: The king was a powerful man while Sissa was a wise man. According to you, which quality is more important—power or wisdom? Why?

Answer: Wisdom is more important than power. The story shows that Sissa's wisdom not only earned him the king’s respect but also demonstrated how intellectual depth can lead to outcomes that sheer power cannot achieve.

Explanation: Wisdom led to a deeper understanding and resolution of issues, influencing the king positively and highlighting the limitations of power when not guided by insight and understanding.