Math Question for Kids Sparked Heated Debate – People Can’t Agree on the Right Answer

Additionally, the question’s phrasing encouraged creative thinking among participants.

The query, garnering over 1.4 million views, provided four options: A. 11:55 a.m., B. 12:06 a.m., C. 11:50 a.m., and D. 12:03 a.m. Many users seemed baffled, expressing various answers in the comments section.

Struggling to Find the Right Answer

The prevailing consensus leaned toward option “D.” This choice stood out because it was merely three minutes past midnight, making it the closest time to that specific point. The rationale behind this choice lay in considering that all options were moving forward or backward from the central point of midnight.

The question, framed as finding the “closest time to,” not the “closest time until,” suggested a different perspective on the progression of time. This interpretation clarified the confusion for many participants.

Additionally, the question’s phrasing encouraged creative thinking among participants. Instead of relying solely on logic, some considered the proximity of the written word “midnight” in the options. This alternative perspective led them to choose “A,” as it was typed closest to the word itself.

Individuals who selected the answer “A” might have been misled by the wording. Because the question referred to midnight, which is 12:00 a.m., the inclusion of 11:55 a.m. might have appeared deceptively close.

However, the proximity would only be accurate if it were 11:55 p.m. In reality, the answer, 12:06 a.m., was six minutes past midnight. This nuanced detail tripped up many participants, highlighting the subtle intricacies of the question.

Turning To AI for Help

Some individuals found a straightforward solution: consulting the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT instead of putting their brains to work. According to ChatGPT’s explanation:

“The closest time to midnight would be D. 12:03 a.m.”

The Possibility of Two Valid Answers

The intense debate ignited by this seemingly straightforward math question has led some to argue that such tricky problems can deter young learners from embracing the subject. A commenter raised a valid point, suggesting two possible answers based on different interpretations:

“If you mean closest time to when it *will* be midnight next, the answer is A. In that context, it wouldn’t be midnight again with D for nearly 24 hrs. If you just mean raw minutes forward or back, the answer is D. Trick questions like these only make kids hate math.”

This observation highlighted the ambiguity of such puzzles, emphasizing how these nuances can evoke frustration and dislike for mathematics among students.

Which option did you choose: A, B, C, or D? Do you agree with the commenters who think this confusing question can have more than one correct answer?

If you’re ready to put your mind to work, click here for nine interesting yet challenging riddles for adults. Don’t worry: you will find the answers inside the article, but make sure you don’t cheat.