Top politicians not so calculated after all
<p>New South Wales Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and her counterpart in the opposition, Prue Car, were put to the test while appearing live on <em>2GB</em>.</p>
<p>The two were chatting to radio host Ben Fordham after a pre-election debate when he presented them with a challenge: a problem from the Year 7 NAPLAN test’s Numeracy section.</p>
<p>NAPLAN tests typically consist of multiple choice questions and ones where students must write their answers in the spaces provided. While calculators are permitted outside of the short non-calculator sections, they were far from the hands of Sarah and Prue as Ben sprung his test upon them. </p>
<p>Ben opened by explaining to the two that they had to solve the question without the use of the handy devices, and that they had room to show their working, just as any Year 7 would when faced with the same test. </p>
<p>“Pears cost $4 per kilogram,” Ben explained, reading from the question posed to the ministers, “Ben buys 4.15 kilograms of pears. How much does Ben pay for the pears?”</p>
<p>The two wasted no time in putting pen to paper and getting started, with Ben chuckling that they were “busily working away.” </p>
<p>Prue finished working first, cradling her chin in her hand as Ben asked if she wanted to hand in her sheet, before he explained to Sarah when to fill in her answer. </p>
<p>“Just like the students do,” he said, “this is a test environment. Your Year 7 students in New South Wales have got to face these questions.” </p>
<p>“You’ve outdone yourself with this today, Ben,” Prue remarked, while Sarah continued her calculations. </p>
<p>After roughly one minute, both sheets were in Ben’s hands, and he was ready to announce the results. </p>
<p>Prue, despite finishing first, got her answer wrong. Upon hearing the news, the minister burst into laughter, with an amused Sarah piping up that she “might be too, Prue.” </p>
<p>Ben went on to repeat the question, and shared Prue’s answer of $4.15. </p>
<p>“The minister Sarah Mitchell,” he continued, “has got this one right!” </p>
<p>The correct answer to the problem? $16.60. </p>
<p>“Can I just say, English was my strong suit,” Prue declared in light of her defeat. </p>
<p>And to the great amusement of both Prue and Ben, Sarah announced, “so was mine, Prue!” </p>
<p><em>Images: 2GB</em></p>
