Veritas Session - Fundamental mathematical principles

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More and more computer programs that provide solutions to mathematical problems in engineering are being produced, and it is thus increasingly unnecessary for practicing engineers to have thorough understanding of fundamental mathematical principles. Consequently, in training engineers who will work in industry, less emphasis should be placed on mathematical principles, so that space in the engineering curriculum will be available for other important subjects.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument given for the recommendation above?

(A) The effective use of computer programs that provide solutions to mathematical problems in engineering requires an understanding of fundamental mathematical principles.
(B) Many of the computer programs that provide solutions to mathematical problems in engineering are already in routine use.
(C) Development of composites and other such new materials has meant that the curriculum for engineers who will work in industry must allow time for teaching the properties of these materials.
(D) Most of the computer programs that provide solutions to mathematical problems in engineering can be run on the types of computers available to most engineering firms.
(E) The engineering curriculum already requires that engineering students be familiar with and able to use a variety of computer programs.

No OA

IMO A
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by selango » Wed Aug 04, 2010 8:59 pm
IMO A..Only option A weaken the argument by stating to work effectively with computer programs,engineers require fundamental principles.
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by debmalya_dutta » Thu Aug 05, 2010 3:10 am
My pick is A...
[spoiler]B,C,D&E [/spoiler]strengthen the argument that less emphasis should be placed on mathematical principles and that time should be utilized for teaching other subjects

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by thephoenix » Thu Aug 05, 2010 8:03 am
IMO C
do post the OA as soon as u come to know
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by David@VeritasPrep » Thu Aug 05, 2010 1:17 pm
The Official Veritas Prep Answer to this question is A "(A) The effective use of computer programs that provide solutions to mathematical problems in engineering requires an understanding of fundamental mathematical principles."

It is a typical GMAT weaken question that requires you to stay focused on what the specific conclusion is and what additional fact would weaken that conclusion. The conclusion in this case is the recommendation to devote less emphasis on mathematical principles and the reason is that computer programs can now provide the needed solutions.

Choice A, if true, gives a reason why the fundamental mathematical principles are still necessary even if computer programs are used to find the answers, thereby weakening the conclusion that less emphasis should be placed on the math.
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