TMU Problem Solving 5

Question 1

A bookshelf has 5 shelves. Each shelf holds 4 more books than the shelf below it. If the bottom shelf holds 10 books, how many books are on the shelf in total?

Accepted Answer

90

Answer

Shelves hold 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 books; total = 10+14+18+22+26 = 90.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes analogical reasoning in problem solving?

Accepted Answer

Applying a solution strategy from a known similar problem to a new one

Answer

Analogical reasoning transfers the structure of a solved problem to guide the approach to a new, structurally similar one.

Question 3

Two cyclists start from opposite ends of a 120 km trail at the same time. Cyclist A travels at 15 km/h and Cyclist B at 25 km/h. How far from Cyclist A's starting point do they meet?

Accepted Answer

45 km

Answer

They meet after 120/(15+25) = 3 hours; Cyclist A covers 15×3 = 45 km from her start.

Question 4

A problem asks for the minimum number of moves to transfer a stack of discs in the Tower of Hanoi puzzle with 4 discs. What is the answer?

Accepted Answer

15

Answer

The minimum number of moves for n discs is 2ⁿ − 1; for 4 discs: 2⁴ − 1 = 15.

Question 5

In critical thinking, what is a 'false dichotomy'?

Accepted Answer

Presenting only two options as if they are the only possibilities when others exist

Answer

A false dichotomy incorrectly frames a situation as having only two choices, ignoring other valid alternatives.

(TMU) Toronto Metropolitan University Exam Practice Test

(TMU) Toronto Metropolitan University Exam Practice Test

TMU Problem Solving 5