Sample Test Item 5 (2005)
Posted on December 11th, 2007 by admin
This test item is checking if we understand the definitions
of different types of triangles.
Choices B and C are both not true. A triangle that has
exactly two congruent sides is called an isosceles triangle.
Scalene triangles have no congruent sides. Equilateral
triangles have exactly three congruent sides (all sides are
equal).
Thus, Choice D is also not true.
Choice A is the only true statement since a scalene
triangle has no congruent sides.
Your explanation of Test Item 5 jumps around illogically in evaluating the choices and presents definitions in places they don’t belong. Examples:
For no reason, you evaluate the first choice, A, last–instead of simply stating “True. This is the definition of a scalene triangle.”
Neither Choice B nor Choice C mentions isosceles triangles. Therefore the definition of an isosceles triangle is irrelevant there. Choices B and C deserve to be answered separately, B by your definition of a scalene triangle, C by your definition of an equilateral triangle.
Similarly, Choice D does not mention scalene triangles so your first sentence pertaining to that is irrelevant and should be eliminated. Since the essence of Choice D is whether an isosceles triangle is also an equilateral triangle, the remaining sentence of the explanation should be expanded to include the definition of an isosceles triangle to show they are not the same.
You are missing the point.
Geometry is about proofs and postulates. You must provide definitions prior to providing rationale. However, the AIMS math test is only a political instrument for choosing from 4 choices. The focus is on process of elimination.
While your reasoning makes perfect sense in the writing portion of the AIMS test, it is exactly irrelevant in the math section of the AIMS test.
it is a yes or no question, there is really nothing else to it, either it is the right answer or it is wrong, there is no more to it.