Math homework is another one of those controversial subjects that divides people. It can be impossible to figure out, even after hours of studying and tutoring. Meanwhile, others grasp the concepts quickly and easily. Furthermore, it’s common, for schoolwork to stump parents as it’s likely been years since they were in a classroom. For example, here is a second-grade math assignment that a mom shared online after it left her feeling confused. Interestingly, many on the internet were also stumped or confused.
Confusing Math Homework
A mom posted an image to Facebook that showed her daughter’s math homework, and a problem that neither could solve. “There are 49 dogs signed up to compete in a dog show. There are 36 more small dogs than large dogs signed up to compete. How many small dogs are signed up to compete?” The math homework read. The internet quickly responded, wondering how this could be a 7-year-old’s math homework. And also, feeling uncertain of the answer.
Problem Solved, Sort of
Weirdly, the answer to this question includes a fraction, a point that doesn’t make sense when you consider the question is regarding dogs. Because you can’t have a fraction of a dog. Either way, the teacher expects an answer for the math homework. So, there’s still a number to be found.
WTAJ News took a shot at solving the math homework. “You first subtract the 36 to group them as small dogs since you need at least 36 small dogs. You then divide the remaining 13 into two categories: large dogs and small dogs.” Explained Olivia Bosar. “But you have to divide them in a way that would give you the ability to create a class that’s X and a class that’s X+36. It’s not possible in this equation because 13 is a prime number.”
Experts are Required for this Math Homework
Although this math homework is arguably, misleading, it’s not the only problem that’s ever stumped the internet. In 2023, a math homework problem stumped the internet so badly that actual mathematicians had to be consulted to figure out the answer. The internet was divided between 2 answers: 16 & 1. The best way to get the correct answer is to use the order of operation, PEMDAS.
Another Math Homework Stumper
Here’s another question that stumped the internet. Similar to the problem above, this one also requires the order of operations to be solved.
These Questions Might Require a Second Look
Perhaps the order of operations will always be helpful regarding math homework. The answer might be easier to find than you expect. Merely, slow down and take your time to the work.
How Many Pieces of Fruit
The answer is 16.
Another Problem Using Pictures and Numbers
The answer is 21.
Vintage Math Homework
This equation is one that appeared in math textbooks in the 1950s. It too, uses the order of operations to be solved.
Adorable Puzzle to Ease Tension
Although math is frustrating for many people, having a cute or aesthetically pleasing model can make it feel more fun, or hopefully, less frustrating. This cute math question requires you to “think outside the box” to solve it.
Kids are a Problem
This is another example of a puzzle that can’t be solved by thinking literally or logically. Instead, think outside the box, for a less obvious answer.
Sources
- This Simple Math Problem Is Driving People Crazy On Social Media. Inner Strength
- Second-grade math question has the internet fighting over the answer. WTAJ Bill Shannon June 21, 2024.
