The infuriating marking of this child’s maths homework is a top drawer fail for the ages but not everyone was getting it

Another day, another example of maths homework marking to get you all worked up. Here’s the question and teacher’s answer as shared by Math Lady Hazel over on Twitter.

I can’t believe my eyes. ‍ pic.twitter.com/0cQhZBtyey

— Math Lady Hazel (@mathladyhazel) December 19, 2023

Just in case that’s tricky to see in full …

And with that post, the cat was well and truly put amongst the pigeons.

Some people saw no problem with the teacher’s marking…

10 minutes divided by 2 pieces = 5 minutes per piece

3 pieces x 5 minutes = 15 minutes

I don’t see an issue with the answer…

— Sebastian (@Sebastian_707_) December 20, 2023

But they were quickly given clarification –

It’s by cut not by piece. One cut requires 10 mins, two requires 20. The formula would be (n-1)*10.

— Joe Welch (@JoeWelch894180) December 20, 2023

Other people thought teacher was correct but for a different and perhaps more dubious reason (and it’s probably just an example of trolling) –

No, 15 minutes is actually the right answer. You learn more about cutting after each cut and get twice as fast each time. So:

– 1 cut takes 10 minutes

– 2 cuts take 15 minutes

– 3 cuts take 17.5 minutes

– You can make ALL the cuts in 20 minutes

That’s just science.

— Andrew Stellman (@AndrewStellman) December 19, 2023

Well yes and no. Mostly, no, obviously. Here are just a few of the many other comments it prompted.

There should be a court where you can take these sorts of matters to obtain justice

— gdsimms (@gdsimms) December 19, 2023

AI has passed teachers 👀 pic.twitter.com/08m0ExrffX

— David Krammer (@davidkrammer_) December 20, 2023

One of many reasons America is bad at math is that we send a lot of dumb people to teach math. https://t.co/neoxcRkrGK

— Noah Smith 🐇🇺🇸🇺🇦🇹🇼 (@Noahpinion) December 19, 2023

First of all — that’s not even a board.

Second of all — I think the real question here is why does it take her 10 minutes to saw through such a tiny stick? pic.twitter.com/UPg5Q7Vfxq

— Kristen Mag (@kristenmag) December 20, 2023

1 cut = 10m, logic would dictate 2 cuts = 20m.

She also needs to get a power tool. pic.twitter.com/oak1mZxYXt

— Anthony Dean (@realAnthonyDean) December 19, 2023

So the only thing we’ve learned for certain is that maths is hard and confusing and probably not worth thinking about.

Source @mathladyhazel