Friday, September 14, 2007

How I know that I don't have a mathematical mind

An informal poll of residents in a particular street indicated that four fifths of them oppose the construction of traffic lights at the end of the street. One of the residents decides to carry out a formal survey and randomly samples 20 people who live in the street. Assuming the figures obtained in the initial poll is correct, find the probability that : (a) exactly 16 residents (b) 16 or more residents oppose the construction of the lights.

Now why were these people opposing the construction?
What would their manner of response to a survey be?
What petty arguments would arise at a meeting of these townsfolk?

Is statistical evidence a substantial expression of people's sentiments?
Should a decision thus be based on the poll or is a centrally made decision more representative of the people's interest?

Ok the last 2 were really pushing it....but the point is....
I thought of at least the first 3, before or at the same time as the need to figure out how to calculate the probability. My tutor just laughed. I am still trying to do SL stats. try try try. I will figure sl math out.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

i think that Tonga is out to get me

I think that Tonga is out to get me.

Last night i watched a documentary on the Humpback whales of Tonga.
This morning, during my econs paper i use an incorrect example on the lack of regulation in Tonga, referring to the trade of Humpback produce.
In the evening over dinner I see Tonga score a try against the USA in the first 2 minutes after a tremendously intimidating Tongan war dance.

I have never used the word 'Tonga' so many times in my life.
If i were to be literary (like all genius lit writers), in feeble preparation for tomorrow, I would say that just like in the wood-pile, a hidden Tongan force is out to get me.
Through the TV screen.
Man versus Tonga would be the theme.
Here's the official website of the Government of Tonga.
it looks very very happy. Which is making me even more suspicious.