Via Jason I read & took this math quiz, which is a sample of a math test for 8th graders from the Illinois State Board of Education [1].
I scored only 8 out of 10, because I forgot the formula for the length of the diagonal of a triangle, and two of the questions were dependent upon that knowledge.
Stupid triangles!
[1] Note the smooth transition from my previous post!
Much like my actual 8th grade to high school performance, I scored a 6 out of 10 -- which is actually better that I thought I'd do. But on the other hand, I also employed my usual math test taking technique: I got bored on the first question and guessed on all the rest.
Posted by: Mena Trott | August 29, 2005 at 01:29 PM
Bleh... I only got 8 right too, but at least I knew the triangle math. I made stupid mistakes, but then Mena was talking to me the entire time I took it.
Posted by: Andrew Anker | August 29, 2005 at 01:45 PM
Yeah, I was very surprised how hard I had to concentrate while taking it.
Math is hard!
Posted by: btrott | August 29, 2005 at 01:49 PM
10/10! Anil would be proud that I've taken to using excel instead of a calculator.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mathowie/38378852/
Posted by: Matt Haughey | August 29, 2005 at 03:37 PM
Matt, that's cheating!
Posted by: Mena Trott | August 29, 2005 at 04:29 PM
You didn't use a calculator?
Posted by: Matt Haughey | August 29, 2005 at 04:46 PM
I got 9/10. I missed the cube question because I insisted (to myself) than a cube had 9 sides.
Of course using a spreadsheet is cheating!
Posted by: David Jacobs | August 31, 2005 at 01:43 PM
Err, a spreadsheet or a calculator. I assumed the test was to be done in your head or on pencil and paper, but even that was a stretch.
Posted by: David Jacobs | August 31, 2005 at 01:45 PM