Question

according to statistician nassim nicholas taleb, the best way to predict the amount of time a nonperishable entity (such as a building or a technology) will continue to exist is to examine how long it has survived so far. in this view, an item’s age is the strongest ______ how much longer it will last. which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? choose 1 answer: a uncertainty about b motivation for c indicator of d criticism of

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the context: Taleb's view is that an item's age helps predict its remaining lifespan. Let's evaluate each option:

• Option A: "uncertainty about" contradicts the idea of prediction (age should reduce uncertainty, not be uncertainty).
• Option B: "motivation for" is illogical—age isn't a motivation for how long something lasts.
• Option C: "indicator of" fits: an item's age indicates (shows) how much longer it will last, aligning with using age to predict lifespan.
• Option D: "criticism of" is irrelevant—age doesn't criticize duration.

Answer:

C. indicator of