The SAT's Coin Paradox: How a 1982 Question Stumped Everyone

🔑The rolling circle paradox can occur when a small circle rolls around a larger one. The small circle can rotate more times than expected during the roll.

🎓The SAT question in 1982 exposed the mistaken belief of test takers and even the test writers themselves, showing that the correct answer was not listed as an option.

🌐The paradox has applications in everyday life, including timekeeping and orbit calculations. It is crucial in astronomy to track celestial objects accurately.

🏫The SAT question mistake had implications for test scores, potentially impacting educational opportunities due to minimum score cutoffs for university admissions and scholarships.

🔄The paradox illustrates the importance of critical thinking and challenging assumptions, even in standardized tests. It reminds us that mistakes can occur and prompt reassessment.

What was the SAT question in 1982 about?

—The SAT question in 1982 involved a rolling circle and asked how many revolutions it would take for the smaller circle to return to its starting point as it rolled around the larger circle.

Why did test takers and even the test writers get the question wrong?

—Test takers and test writers got the question wrong because they incorrectly assumed that the answer was among the options listed. The correct answer was not provided as a choice.

What is the coin rotation paradox?

—The coin rotation paradox refers to the unexpected number of rotations a small circle can make when rolling around a larger circle. It demonstrates that the rolling circle can rotate more times than anticipated.

What are the real-world applications of the rolling circle paradox?

—The rolling circle paradox has applications in various fields, including timekeeping, orbit calculations, and celestial observations in astronomy. It helps ensure accurate tracking and measurements.

How did the mistake in the SAT question impact test scores?

—The mistake in the SAT question led to the rescoring of the test. Test scores were adjusted by 10 points, which could have affected students' educational opportunities based on minimum score cutoffs for admissions and scholarships.

00:00In 1982, a SAT question about a rolling circle perplexed test takers and even the test writers.

03:43The rolling circle paradox occurs when a small circle rolls around a larger one, rotating more times than expected during the roll.

07:48The SAT question in 1982 exposed the mistaken belief of test takers and even the test writers themselves.

11:37The rolling circle paradox has applications in timekeeping, orbit calculations, and astronomy.

14:47The mistake in the SAT question impacted test scores, potentially affecting educational opportunities based on score cutoffs.