Verbal Reasoning: Reading Comprehension Flashcards

Based on the passage, what was the original primary purpose of the Global Positioning System?

Answer: A navigation system for military forces

The first sentence explicitly states, 'The Global Positioning System (GPS) was originally developed by the United States Department of Defense for military use.' This clearly identifies its initial purpose.

According to the text, what is the minimum number of satellites a receiver needs to receive signals from to determine its location?

Answer: Four

The passage states, 'A receiver on the ground can determine its exact location by calculating the time difference between receiving signals from at least four different satellites.' This specifies the minimum requirement.

The term 'Selective Availability' refers to which of the following?

Answer: Intentionally reduced accuracy for civilian users

The passage defines this term directly: '...the U.S. government made the system available for civilian use in the 1980s, albeit with intentionally degraded accuracy known as 'Selective Availability'.' It was a deliberate reduction in precision for non-military users.

When did a significant boom in commercial and personal GPS applications occur?

Answer: After the year 2000

The text explains that 'Selective Availability' was removed in 2000, 'leading to a boom in commercial and personal GPS applications'. This indicates the growth happened after this policy change.

What was the official codename for the GPS project mentioned in the passage?

Answer: NAVSTAR

The second sentence of the passage provides this information: 'Codenamed NAVSTAR, the project was initiated in the 1970s...'.

The functionality of the entire GPS system is dependent on what?

Answer: A network of orbiting satellites

The passage states, 'The system relies on a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth, each transmitting precise time signals.' This shows that the satellites are the core component upon which the system depends.

What can be inferred about the U.S. government's policy towards GPS in the 1980s?

Answer: They wanted to maintain a strategic military advantage while allowing limited civilian benefit.

By making the system available for civilian use but with 'intentionally degraded accuracy,' the government showed it was willing to share the technology but wanted to ensure its military retained a significant advantage in precision.