PrepTest 118, Section 3, Question 14
Theoretically, analog systems are superior to digital systems.(82 more words not shown)
The statements above, if true,(8 more words not shown)
- AMany ideas that(10 more words not shown)
- BAnalog representation of(11 more words not shown)
- CDigital systems are(14 more words not shown)
- DAnalog systems are(8 more words not shown)
- EDigital systems are(12 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
More detail sounds better—until copying the signal keeps introducing tiny changes.
The passage asks us to accept a distinction between analog and digital systems. An analog signal can, in theory, be infinitely detailed. A digital signal is limited by the precision of its digital units. But the same flexibility that permits tiny details also permits tiny errors when an analog signal is copied.
Imagine repeatedly copying a copy rather than returning to the original. Small changes can build on earlier changes until the result no longer preserves the original information. That's the practical problem described here. The theoretical advantage doesn't settle which system to use for a job involving repeated reproduction.
What we’re looking for
What is most strongly supported? I'd look for digital being preferable in that specific situation. We don't need to claim digital wins every comparison, or even most comparisons. The information points us toward a use where analog's copying problem matters.
Working the answers
- A
This turns one discussion into a broad statement about many ideas. The passage gives an example of a theoretical advantage accompanied by a practical disadvantage. It doesn't establish how widespread that pattern is. Also, having one disadvantage doesn't mean a system fails to work well in every practical setting.
- B
We aren't told that infinitely detailed information is unnecessary. The problem is that variations introduced during copying can accumulate and obscure the information. B replaces that stated problem with a different claim about what people need.
- C
Best is too broad, and no errors is too strong. The passage contrasts analog and digital signals in a particular respect. It doesn't establish that digital systems outperform every information system, or that an error can never occur when a digital signal is emitted. Don't turn a specific comparative advantage into perfection.
- D
Most practical purposes would require knowing what the relevant purposes are and how the systems compare across them. We only have a particular problem associated with duplication. Some uses might not require repeated copying at all. The passage doesn't tell us that the identified problem makes analog inferior for most uses.
- ECorrect
Reproducing a signal many times is exactly where the described analog disadvantage becomes important: small errors accumulate until the original information can be lost. E ties the recommendation to that situation.
It doesn't require analog to be useless, digital to be flawless, or theoretical detail to have no value. It makes the limited comparison supported by the practical difficulty the passage explains.
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