LSAT Explanation PT 35, S4, Q1: The graphical illustrations mathematics teachers use

LSAT Question Stem

The statements above provide some support for each of the following EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and summarize the main points:

1. Graphical illustrations help students learn geometry more easily by providing an intuitive understanding of geometric concepts.

2. This intuitive understanding makes it easier to manipulate symbols for calculation.

3. Illustrating algebraic concepts graphically would also be effective pedagogically.

4. The deepest mathematical understanding is abstract, not imagistic.

Now let's identify the question type: This is a Most Strongly Supported (MSS) EXCEPT question. We need to find the answer choice that is NOT supported by the information in the passage.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Pictorial understanding is not the final stage of mathematical understanding.

This answer choice is supported by point 4 from the passage, which states that the deepest mathematical understanding is abstract, not imagistic. Thus, pictorial understanding is not the final stage.

b) People who are very good at manipulating symbols do not necessarily have any mathematical understanding.

This answer choice is NOT supported by the passage. The passage discusses how graphical illustrations help students with intuitive understanding, which in turn helps them manipulate symbols for calculation. However, it does not provide any information about people who are already good at manipulating symbols and their mathematical understanding. This is the correct answer.

c) Illustrating geometric concepts graphically is an effective teaching method.

This answer choice is supported by point 1 from the passage, which states that graphical illustrations help students learn geometry more easily.

d) Acquiring the ability to manipulate symbols is part of the process of learning geometry.

This answer choice is supported by point 2 from the passage, which states that intuitive understanding, gained from graphical illustrations, makes it easier to manipulate symbols for calculation.

e) There are strategies that can be effectively employed in the teaching both of algebra and of geometry.

This answer choice is supported by points 1 and 3 from the passage, which discuss the effectiveness of graphical illustrations in teaching both geometry and algebra.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it is the only answer choice not supported by the information in the passage.