A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Twelfth Grade Items

Advanced Mathematics

This figure shows the graph of y = f (x).
S1 is the area enclosed by the x- axis, x = a and y = f (x);
S2 is the area enclosed by the x- axis, x = b and y = f (x);
where a < b and 0 < S2 < S1.

The value of f ( x ) dx is

  1. S1 + S2

  2. S1 - S2

  3. S2 - S1

  4. | S1 - S2 |

  5. ½ (S1 + S2)
Calculus: Correct Answer: C
International Average Percent Correct: 35%; Sweden, 48%; Russian Federation, 43%; France, 39%; Canada, 28%; United States, 27%.

Source: IEA Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), 1994-95

Physics

A car moving at constant speed with a siren sounding comes towards you and then passes by.

Describe how the frequency of the sound you hear changes.

Correct Answer Examples:

The pitch is higher as the car comes closer and lower after it goes by.

When the car approaches, the wavelength of the sound is shorter than it is when the car moves away.

Physics: Wave Phenomena
International Average Percent Correct: 37%; Germany, 60%; Austria, 51%; Canada, 22%; France, 18%; United States, 12%.

Source: IEA Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), 1994-95


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Last Updated -- June 9, 1998, (pjk)