shannon the mathematical theory of communication

'American mathematician Claude Shannon developed information theory by 1948. A seminal work on information theory, essential to the development of computer technology and the foundation of the modern information age. Do more Digital SAT Reading and Writing Practice Tests tests.FIRST EDITION, the first appearance of Shannon’s mathematical theory of communication.Use your browser's back button to return to your test results.It doesn't go into detail about this name change, and it doesn't discuss any 'common usage' of the name at all. The text only mentions very briefly, in parentheses, that 'binary digit' was shortened to 'bit'. Overall, the text is about Shannon's importance in his field, not just this one paper of his.Ĭhoice D. Shannon's employment at Bell Labs is only mentioned once, very briefly: the text never goes into detail about his career there, and it never mentions any recognition he received there.Ĭhoice C. The text starts with a general statement that introduces Shannon, then describes a specific contribution from one of his papers, then provides a quote that illustrates just how important this contribution was.Ĭhoice B. It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how the name has entered common usage.Ĭhoice A. It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the paper's findings, and presents a researcher's commentary on the paper. It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematician's career at the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there. It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is historically significant. Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text? Robert Gallagher, one of Shannon's colleagues, said that the bit was ' discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung.' His most important paper, 'A Mathematical Theory of Communication,' published in 1948 when he was employed at Bell Labs, utilized a concept called a 'binary digit' (shortened to 'bit') to measure the amount of information in any signal and determine the fastest rate at which information could be transmitted while still being reliably decipherable. Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figure in information theory.

Shannon the mathematical theory of communication