Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Oddly worded homework questions

Posted by dkuehn at 9:15 AM
Yes, I'm blogging to avoid finishing this problem set.

Anyway, one question asks: "Can you find a set of subsidies such that the optimum is achieved and all individuals contribute to an equal number of units?"

Let's say I am unable to solve the problem. My answer to this question would be "No, I can't seem to find it".

But that's the right answer to the question asked if I fail to get an answer! Do you think I would get points for it?

3 comments:

  1. UnlearningeconDecember 7, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    This reminds me of the story where a teenager answered the essay question 'What is the Definition of the Word Bravery?' with 'This.' and got an A.

    I'm not sure if I believe it - if I were an examiner I'd probably just think 'you cocky f***!' and give him a D or something.

    ReplyDelete
  2. EvanDecember 7, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    ...and if you can solve the problem, you don't even need to provide the solution. All you need to say is "yes".

    I think this goes into the "humanities are important if for no other reason than because they teach critical thinking and language skills" folder.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Blue AuroraDecember 7, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    Somehow, I doubt it. XD

    ReplyDelete

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