Source: FUVEST – General Knowledge test, version V and rectified official template of the 1st phase (applied in 12/12/2021). The 1st phase of FUVEST 2022 had 90 questions from all subjects. This post brings the 12 mathematics questions, which in test V are questions 30 to 41. In the others versions (K, Q, X and Z) the same questions appear with different numbering and another order of alternatives, so always check the version of your test.
Source: FUVEST – proof (version V) and official answer key of the 1st phase (General Knowledge Test, applied in 04/12/2022). The 1st phase of FUVEST 2023 had 90 questions from all subjects. This post brings the mathematics questions: 21, 22, 24, 36, 58 and 84 to 90. The numbering is that of Proof V; in other versions (K, Q, X and Z) the same questions appear in another order. The question 58 is interdisciplinary (CO₂ emissions), but is resolved with graph reading and area estimation, that’s why it’s here.
From Gauss's story to the justification of the formula The school narrative associated with Gauss highlights the grouping of the ends of a sum. The idea is valid beyond that story: we can demonstrate it for any finite arithmetic progression. Your turn to investigate: Write 2, 5, 8, 11, 14 and, below, the same sequence in reverse. Add the columns. Why is the result for each column the same? Discover the historical source on MacTutor, from the University of St Andrews.
A school story and an idea to try A much-told story about Gauss presents him, as a boy, quickly solving a sum by grouping terms. Let’s use this narrative as an invitation to investigate patterns. Your turn to investigate: Write 1 + 2 + … + 10. Join the first term to the last, the second to the penultimate and continue. How many pairs can you get? What is the sum of each pair? Discover the historical source on MacTutor, from the University of St Andrews.