PrepTest 133

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Illustration

Stimulus Summary:
Example:
(1) Gauge field theory was developed in the 1800s but applied to contemporary science
(2) Differential geometry was developed in the 1800s but applies to general relativity much later

Answer Anticipation:
Since we're asked to find something that the examples best illustrate, we're looking for an answer that reflects both examples. So we should start by identifying similarities between them since we'll need to find that overlap in the answer.

Both discuss a theory that was developed at one time, but then applied much later to an important discovery. So the correct answer should highlight this delay in application.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights the overlap between the two examples—the delay in application of a theory until much later in time—so it is the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
Whenever there are multiple examples for the same generalization, you should identify the similarities between them. Those will define the generalization that they both illustrate.

Incorrect. First, gauge field theory isn't attributed to a mathematician at all. Second, there's no indication that Gauss believed differential geometry would become useful later in time. This answer isn't illustrated by either example.

Incorrect. This answer is too broad in applying to all discoveries of modern physics since only two are highlighted in the stimulus. Additionally, while the two examples find examples of certain maths applied to modern physics, there's no indication that these maths were necessary for this development.

Incorrect. Two examples of developments that later went on to prove useful does not a "period of great mathematical achievement" make.

Incorrect. While the stimulus shows two examples of math being developed before physics that can use it, there's no indication that this is a general trend between math and physics.