Connecting to Text in The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Question 8 • AISD ELAR 6 Summer Academy 2026

Which statement from The Number Devil best reveals that the author is using the number devil's character to promote a positive view of mathematics?

Answer

"Most genuine mathematicians are bad at sums. Besides, they have no time to waste on them. That's what pocket calculators are for."

"You need one thing and one thing only: one. With one—I am speaking of the numeral, of course—you can do almost anything."

"Just as there are infinitely large numbers, there are infinitely small numbers. And an infinite number of infinitely small numbers."

"I'm only doing it for you! You're the one who's afraid of numbers. You're the one who wants everything simple so you won't get mixed up."

Explanation

Choice B presents mathematics as powerful and approachable: the number devil says that starting with just one numeral lets you do “almost anything.” This enthusiastic statement promotes a positive view of math by highlighting what numbers make possible. The other choices focus on calculators, advanced concepts, or an accusation rather than celebrating mathematics.

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