Simple Math GK Quiz

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By DanielCarig
D
DanielCarig
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 205 | Total Attempts: 145,511
| Attempts: 869
Quiz Flashcard
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/15 Questions

    Which mathematician is "e" named after?

    • Descartes
    • Newton
    • Euler
    • Pythagoras
Please wait...
About This Quiz

How good is your knowledge about gk math? Take this quiz and score a perfect!

Simple Math GK Quiz - Quiz

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    What is the largest number of Friday the 13ths that can occur in a calendar year?

    • 4

    • 3

    • 1

    • 2

    Correct Answer
    A. 3
    Explanation
    In a calendar year, there can be a maximum of 3 occurrences of Friday the 13th. This is because the longest possible gap between two consecutive Friday the 13ths is 35 days, which can happen in the months of February and March. If there were 4 occurrences, it would mean that the gap between two consecutive occurrences is less than 28 days, which is not possible. Therefore, the correct answer is 3.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    Who pioneered the use of the letter "x" to represent an unknown variable?

    • Newton

    • Euler

    • Descartes

    • Gauss

    Correct Answer
    A. Descartes
    Explanation
    Descartes is credited with pioneering the use of the letter "x" to represent an unknown variable. In his book "La Géométrie," published in 1637, Descartes introduced a system of coordinates and algebraic notation that included using letters at the end of the alphabet, such as x, y, and z, to represent unknown quantities. This notation revolutionized the field of mathematics and is still widely used today.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    What mathematical field uses Yates' correction for continuity?

    • Complex Variables

    • Statistics

    • Probability

    • Calculus

    Correct Answer
    A. Statistics
    Explanation
    Yates' correction for continuity is used in the field of Statistics. It is a method used to correct the chi-squared test when the sample size is small. This correction adjusts the chi-squared statistic to provide a more accurate result, particularly when the expected frequencies are low. It helps to account for the discreteness of the data and improves the validity of the test. Therefore, the correct answer is Statistics.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    What letter is commonly used to refer to the set of integers?

    • L

    • M

    • I

    • Z

    Correct Answer
    A. Z
    Explanation
    The letter "Z" is commonly used to refer to the set of integers. This is because "Z" comes from the German word "Zahlen," meaning numbers. It is used to represent the set of all positive and negative whole numbers, including zero. The use of "Z" helps distinguish the set of integers from other sets, such as the set of natural numbers (N) or the set of real numbers (R).

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    In which century was Isaac Newton's "Principia Mathematica" published?

    • 1700's

    • 1600's

    • 1800's

    • 1500's

    Correct Answer
    A. 1600's
    Explanation
    Isaac Newton's "Principia Mathematica" was published in the 1600's. This work, published in 1687, laid the foundation for classical mechanics and introduced Newton's laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation. It is considered one of the most important scientific works in history and had a profound impact on the development of physics and mathematics.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    Which field of mathematics was influenced by the "Seven Bridges of Konigsberg" problem?

    • Group Theory

    • Topology

    • Statistics

    • Calculus

    Correct Answer
    A. Topology
    Explanation
    The "Seven Bridges of Konigsberg" problem is a famous puzzle that involves finding a route through the city of Konigsberg, crossing each of its seven bridges exactly once. This problem led to the development of topology, which is the branch of mathematics that studies the properties of space that are preserved under continuous transformations. Topology focuses on the concepts of connectivity, continuity, and deformation, making it the field of mathematics that was influenced by the "Seven Bridges of Konigsberg" problem.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    Which mathematician founded the American Journal of Mathematics?

    • James Joseph Sylvester

    • Carl Friedrich Gauss

    • Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben

    • Isaac Newton

    Correct Answer
    A. James Joseph Sylvester
    Explanation
    James Joseph Sylvester founded the American Journal of Mathematics.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    Which of the following is not a transcendental number?

    • Square Root Of 2

    • Pi

    • Ln(2)

    • E

    Correct Answer
    A. Square Root Of 2
    Explanation
    The square root of 2 is not a transcendental number because it is algebraic, meaning it can be expressed as the root of a polynomial equation with integer coefficients. Transcendental numbers, on the other hand, are numbers that are not algebraic and cannot be expressed as the root of any polynomial equation with integer coefficients. Pi, ln(2), and e are all examples of transcendental numbers.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    Who gave the first complete proof of the fundamental theorem of algebra?

    • Gauss

    • Heron

    • Cantor

    • Euler

    Correct Answer
    A. Gauss
    Explanation
    Gauss is the correct answer because he was the mathematician who provided the first complete proof of the fundamental theorem of algebra. His proof, published in 1799, demonstrated that every non-constant polynomial equation with complex coefficients has at least one complex root. This groundbreaking result solidified the importance of complex numbers and their role in solving polynomial equations. Gauss's proof was a significant contribution to the field of mathematics and established him as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    Which mathematician invented an early calculating machine in the late 16th century?

    • Laplace

    • Newton

    • Leibniz

    • Pascal

    Correct Answer
    A. Leibniz
    Explanation
    Leibniz is the correct answer because he invented an early calculating machine called the Stepped Reckoner in the late 16th century. This machine was designed to perform basic arithmetic operations and was one of the earliest mechanical calculators. Leibniz's invention laid the foundation for the development of more advanced calculating machines in the future.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    Which of the following is not a field of mathematics?

    • Geodesy

    • Calculus

    • Complex Variables

    • Numerology

    Correct Answer
    A. Numerology
    Explanation
    Numerology is not considered a field of mathematics. While mathematics is a systematic study of numbers, patterns, and shapes, numerology is a belief system that assigns mystical meanings to numbers and their influence on human life. It is often associated with astrology and divination rather than rigorous mathematical principles and proofs. Therefore, numerology does not fall under the realm of mathematics.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    What do you call the distance between the center of a regular polygon to one of its sides?

    • Polygonal Chord

    • Altitude

    • Apothem

    • Inscription

    Correct Answer
    A. Apothem
    Explanation
    The distance between the center of a regular polygon to one of its sides is called the apothem. The apothem is a line segment that is perpendicular to a side of the polygon and connects the center of the polygon to the midpoint of that side. It is commonly used in geometry to calculate the area and perimeter of regular polygons.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    Who wrote the book "The Joy of Pi" about the mathematical symbol?

    • David Blatner

    • Mark Matheson

    • Thomas Sowell

    • Earl McIntyre

    Correct Answer
    A. David Blatner
    Explanation
    David Blatner wrote the book "The Joy of Pi" about the mathematical symbol.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    Who was the author of "Mechanica"?

    • Newton

    • Euler

    • Gauss

    • Leibniz

    Correct Answer
    A. Euler
    Explanation
    Euler was the author of "Mechanica".

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 22, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 14, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    DanielCarig
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.