A simple maths question has become the latest battleground in UK classrooms, as the viral 'six plus seven' meme spreads from social media to schools across the country. What began as an online debate about whether 6+7 equals 13 or 61 has now become a real-world disruption, leaving teachers struggling to maintain focus during lessons.
The Great Maths Divide
The controversy stems from a seemingly straightforward arithmetic problem that has divided internet users. Supporters of the '61' answer argue it's written as 'six+seven' - literally 'six' and 'seven' combined. Traditionalists, however, insist the only mathematically correct answer is 13.
According to reports from teachers nationwide, students are now bringing this debate into mathematics classes, challenging their educators and creating heated discussions that derail lesson plans.
Classroom Chaos and Teacher Response
Educators report the meme appearing in various forms throughout schools:
- Students writing '61' on maths worksheets and exams
- Classroom debates consuming valuable teaching time
- Social media challenges encouraging school participation
- Creative interpretations of mathematical notation
One secondary school teacher from Manchester described the situation as 'frustrating but somewhat fascinating', noting that while it disrupts lessons, it also shows students engaging with mathematical concepts in unexpected ways.
Beyond the Meme: Educational Implications
Education experts suggest this phenomenon highlights several important issues in modern teaching:
- The powerful influence of social media on student behaviour
- The challenge of maintaining academic standards in the digital age
- Opportunities to engage students with mathematical concepts
- The need for digital literacy in contemporary education
While the meme provides a temporary distraction, teachers are finding creative ways to address it, using the debate as a teaching moment about mathematical notation, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Looking Forward
As with most internet trends, educators hope the 'six plus seven' phenomenon will soon run its course. However, it serves as a reminder of how quickly online content can influence classroom dynamics and the ongoing challenge schools face in adapting to digital culture while maintaining educational integrity.
