https://zeta.one/viral-math/

I wrote a (very long) blog post about those viral math problems and am looking for feedback, especially from people who are not convinced that the problem is ambiguous.

It’s about a 30min read so thank you in advance if you really take the time to read it, but I think it’s worth it if you joined such discussions in the past, but I’m probably biased because I wrote it :)

  • MiDaBa
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    1 year ago

    I would also add that you shouldn’t be using a basic calculator to solve multi part problems. Second, I haven’t seen a division sign used in a formal math class since elementary and possibly junior high. These things are almost always written as fractions which makes the logic easier to follow. The entire point of working in convention is so that results are reproducible. The real problem though is that these are not written to educate anyone. They are deliberately written to confuse so that some social media personality can make money from clicks. If someone really wants to practice math skip the click and head over to the Kahn Academy or something similar.

    • basic calculator to solve multi part problems

      This isn’t a multi-part problem, and any basic calculator other than Texas Instruments gets it correct.

      These things are almost always written as fractions

      Fractions are always written as fractions - they are 1 term - 2 separate terms are always separated by an operator, such as a division sign, like in this case.

      the Kahn Academy or something similar.

      Good advice! In particular look up what they say about The Distributive Law.