My tenth grade geometry teacher's favorite number was 17. How do I know this? I think he told us on the first day of school. He had 17s posted everywhere. Students swiped 17s from Carl's Jr, and those were strewn about. Any time 17 came up, he make special reference to it.
It was Friday, and I was covering various levels of science. Fifth period was survey of biology. They had a test.
A student called me over. The question was, "What is Ms. V's favorite number?"
Why would a teacher put that on a test? Probably because she wanted there to be an even number of questions (for ease in grading percentages), but there weren't an even number of necessary questions for the test.
The student didn't know how to answer.
Um... I've never met the teacher. I figured if she put the question on the test, she probably has made mention of her favorite number on more than one occasion. So, the student should know it.
I told him to make his best guess. (It was multiple choice.)
As I was collecting tests, I noticed that test number 12 had a heart next to the number. And that's when it hit me.
I flipped through the test. The question as to what the teacher's favorite number was? Number 12.
So, I've never met the teacher, and I figured out the answer.
After everyone had finished the test, I asked them. What did you all get for favorite number? They didn't know. Well, some of them didn't know. When I pointed out that the question was number 12, several of them gasped in recognition.
Apparently, she had mentioned her favorite number. And on more than one occasion. I heard various examples. That they remembered after the test.
Considering their behavior during the test (not good), I'm not surprised they missed that. They don't seem to be very observant. Sigh.
What grade was this? Wondering if they were middle schoolers? I don't think I have a favorite number. Do you?
ReplyDeletebetty
12?
ReplyDeleteApparently it's her birthday. Of what month, I have no idea.
DeleteWell, most young people are absorbed in themselves and not observant of others. At least a few got it right.
ReplyDeleteActually, a pretty clever question! Doesn't have anything to do with biology, but perhaps relates to paying attention in class and problem solving skills. Kudos to you for figuring it out without ever having met the teacher!
ReplyDeleteI hope she doesn't mark them wrong. There's nothing more frustrating when your teacher asks stupid questions like that. Mine was in Economics class when the teacher asked if some old, balding economist was the most attractive man ever. Apparently "No" wasn't the right answer.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I've ever given thought to a favorite number. Certainly don't remember any teach mentioning having one, but then that was back in the dark ages and who can remember that long ago. lol Does seem like a strange question for a test. Was she trying to give them an easy answer?
ReplyDeleteI suspect that was supposed to be a gimme question.
DeleteThis is a good one. Laughed! Made my evening!
ReplyDeleteThat's the goal. Thanks :)
DeleteWell, you could argue the question shouldn't have been there - it's not to do with maths - but you got an answer as to whether they pay attention!
ReplyDeleteInteresting! Good catch.
ReplyDeleteIt took a while...
Deletethe smart question... but I have no favorite number.
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend
It's not like favorite color which you're expected to have.
DeleteMine would be odd at any rate, I don't like even numbers!
DeleteYour comment made me think of my answer to Spectrum's privacy question. The technician laughed when he asked me for it last week. The question is, "What's your favorite sports team?" My answer? "None."
Yeah, sports team is another thing that one may not have a favorite for. Especially if one doesn't care for sports.
DeleteI have small knowledge of numerology and My number is three but I feel comfort with number 8
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
Well, I'll be! I feel good with 7.
ReplyDelete7's good.
DeleteI like number 12 too. It has so many factors!
ReplyDeleteNot quite as many as 24 or 48, but for a smaller number, it probably has the most.
DeleteLOL clever of her.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like a teacher who thinks outside of the box. lol
ReplyDelete