Ted Chiang Exam Questions and
Answers
How is Division by Zero structured? - Answer-Number refers to a math theorem; The letters refer to
either Renee or Carl (a/b)
Why does Renee's discovery that disproves mathematics mean so much to her? - Answer-She
understands the world through math.
What is Carl's reason for being? - Answer-being able to empathize with others
What is the meaning of "9A=9B" - Answer-meaning they've come to an equal playing field
How does empathy separate Carl and Renee? - Answer-He can no longer empathize with her, therefore
he CAN empathize her because he understands how she feels about losing math. He empathizes
because he is unable to empathize.
Significance of 1+1=2 - Answer-the foundation of math; also the foundation of carl and renee
themes - Answer--no belief is ever as stable as you think it is
-when a foundation breaks, everything else falls apart.
Answers
How is Division by Zero structured? - Answer-Number refers to a math theorem; The letters refer to
either Renee or Carl (a/b)
Why does Renee's discovery that disproves mathematics mean so much to her? - Answer-She
understands the world through math.
What is Carl's reason for being? - Answer-being able to empathize with others
What is the meaning of "9A=9B" - Answer-meaning they've come to an equal playing field
How does empathy separate Carl and Renee? - Answer-He can no longer empathize with her, therefore
he CAN empathize her because he understands how she feels about losing math. He empathizes
because he is unable to empathize.
Significance of 1+1=2 - Answer-the foundation of math; also the foundation of carl and renee
themes - Answer--no belief is ever as stable as you think it is
-when a foundation breaks, everything else falls apart.