Math question for kids sparks heated debate as people fail to agree on the right answer

We have to agree that mathematics isn’t most people’s favorite school subject. It’s hard, sometimes confusing, and rather challenging, especially concepts like algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.

However, one would assume that any grown-up should be able to provide the right answer to a question expected kids to solve.

Well, this seems to be far from the obvious as a seemingly simple math question posted by a Reddit user caused quite a stir on the social media as people fail to agree what the correct answer might be.

The user who posted the challenging question explained that it made him scratch his head trying to figure out which of the four time options given was closest to midnight.

The answers given were as follows:

  • A) 11.55am
  • B) 12.06am
  • C) 11.50am
  • D) 12.03am

“What do you think?” the poster wrote along with the math problem.

As expected, this prompted various answers and interpretations.

Plenty of netizens were convinced that the correct answer is A, and there were those who believed choosing that answer didn’t make any sense, wondering how did they come to that conclusion, with a person writing, “Lmao how are y’all saying A that’s almost midday.”

Those opting for A, however, were quick to provide various explanations, with someone writing “IT SAYS CLOSEST [TO] MIDNIGHT…NOT AFTER MIDNIGHT. A.”

“The question structure is ‘to’ midnight not ‘from’ midnight. Wouldn’t A be correct since time doesn’t go backward?” a confused user asked.

Someone else agreed that the way the question was worded was what caused confusion. “The ‘trick’ intended by the thread starter seems to rely on deliberate ambiguity in language. If I tell four friends ‘get here as close to midnight as you can,’ the one arriving at 11:55am doesn’t win,” someone wrote.

Reddit

A lot of people stick with D as the correct answer, though. Their reasoning? “Assuming it’s a trick question about semantics, Closest time ‘to’ midnight is 11:55 AM. At 12:03, it’s already past midnight. Closest time ‘from’ midnight would be 12:03 AM,” someone commented. “12:03 is only 3 minutes away from midnight, making it the closest of the given times. I’ve never heard anyone use the phrase “close to” to mean anything other than this interpretation,” another used added.

What about you? Is this question giving you a headache too?

Tell us what you think the right answer is in the comment section below.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Stephanie Church
Stephanie Church
Stephanie Church’s been a freelance writer for 10 years covering everything from true crime and reality TV to celebrity and lifestyle content.

More from author

Related posts

Latest posts

My parents abandoned me for my sister — Then returned 12 years later on Christmas

At the age of 10, my mom and dad sent me to my grandparents. I believed it was just a regular visit, but they...

During my ultrasound I saw my husband with a pregnant woman

The struggle to get pregnant drained me, both physically and emotionally. The financial burdens from the numerous treatments, the long stays at the hospital......

I thought my mom’s Harley was just to embarrass me — but it had a deeper meaning

Julia was a much respected individual among her neighbors. Her home was always spotless and her garden was so stunning, it stopped people in...

Woman’s heartache after tragic car crash kills husband and children

A tragic car crash involving three vehicles claimed the lives of Tommy Moorehead III, 41, and his two children, four-year-old son Tommy Jr., and...

Police dog spots package at the airport and starts whining at the guard

Lebanon police launched an investigation that led to an arrest after their police dog spotted a package and started whining at a guard at...

We caught my father-in-law stealing our wedding gift — but the truth shocked me

My wedding to Finn Hartwell, the most loving and caring man, was a dream come true. We've been together for a couple of years,...