Fail, fail, fail, fail, succeed

Is This a Test or a TEST?

So I’m taking a mathematics course that’s condensed into a very short span of time. I have zero background in math beyond assorted bits and pieces I’ve picked up over the years. It’s like trying to learn Mandarin in 10 weeks – clearly that’s not going to happen. And yet I’m somehow doing it, which begs the question: Am I being tested on whether I know the material or am I being tested on whether I can figure out how to achieve the desired goal?

They’re each important – ideally one should be able to pass both. But if push comes to shove, the latter is more likely to save your life…