A maths problem shared on social media has left a teacher and thousands of users scratching their heads. The puzzle, posted on Threads by British maths teacher and TV presenter Bobby Seagull, was brought home from school by a friend's seven-year-old child.
Seagull, known for appearing on University Challenge, admitted he could not solve it. The problem reads: '5)a) Dina is baking. The cake bakes from 11 o'clock until half past 11. The brownies bake from 10 past 11 until 25 to 12. Do you agree with Dina? Explain your answer.'
Former teacher and curriculum developer Caroline Farkas told Newsweek that the question lacks key details, making it a discussion prompt rather than a straightforward calculation. She noted that time-based questions often challenge students because they require converting minutes to hours and interpreting phrases such as 'half past.'
Social media users were divided, with some suggesting the teacher forgot to include Dina's statement. Others criticised the wording, pointing out that '25 to 12' is an unusual way to say 11:35. One user calculated that the cake bakes for 30 minutes, while the brownies bake for 25 minutes, but noted that without Dina's opinion, it is impossible to agree or disagree.
