Skip to Content

How an SAT Question Became a Mathematical Paradox

A fascinating breakdown of an SAT question that led to widespread confusion and uncovered a deeper paradox in mathematics.

References:

  • MindYourDecisions. Summary of this problem: YouTube
  • Kyle Hill. More cool math about this problem: YouTube
  • MinutePhysics. Discussion of a solar day: YouTube
  • Murtagh, J. (2023). The SAT Problem That Everybody Got Wrong, Scientific American: Link
  • United Press International (1982). Error Found in S.A.T. Question, New York Times: Link
  • Yang (2020). Hardest SAT math problem?, Quora: Link
  • Coin rotation paradox, Wikipedia: Link
  • Simmons, B. (2015). Circle revolutions rolling around another circle, Math StackExchange: Link
  • Sidereal time, Wikipedia: Link
  • Solar Time vs. Sidereal Time, Las Cumbres Observatory: Link
  • Zotti, G., et al. (2021). The Simulated Sky: Stellarium for Cultural Astronomy Research: Link
  • Newspapers from 1980s–1990s, Newspapers.com: Link
  • SAT Practice Test, College Board: Link
  • Revolution Definition, NASA: Link
  • Revolution Definition, Merriam-Webster: Link
  • Earth motion animation, NASA: Link
  • Satellite animation, NASA: Link

Commenting is not enabled on this course.