A recent GCSE maths exam question has sparked widespread confusion among adults, with many struggling to solve it correctly. However, school children aged 15 to 16 have reportedly found the problem "easy," highlighting a surprising divide in mathematical confidence between generations.
The Problem That Puzzled Adults
The question, which appeared on both the Higher and Foundation level GCSE maths papers, required students to calculate 8.46 divided by 0.15. Worth three marks, it was designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their mathematical ability. Yet, when shared on social media, it left numerous adults scratching their heads.
Breaking Down the Solution
Hannah Kettle, a GCSE examiner and Head of Maths at a secondary school, explained the solution in a detailed TikTok video. She aimed to assist students preparing for their exams by demonstrating how to approach similar questions. Hannah began by rewriting the division as a fraction: 8.46/0.15.
To simplify, she multiplied both numbers by 100, transforming the problem into 846 divided by 15. From there, she used long division, breaking it down step by step. First, she found that 15 goes into 84 five times (since 5 x 15 = 75), leaving a remainder of 9. This remainder was carried over to the next digit, making 96.
Next, 15 goes into 96 six times (6 x 15 = 90), with a remainder of 6. Adding a decimal point allowed her to continue, turning the remainder into 60. Finally, 15 goes into 60 four times, yielding the answer: 56.4.
An Alternative Method
Hannah also offered a simpler approach: dividing by 15 is equivalent to dividing by 5 and then by 3. Thus, 846 divided by 5 equals 169.2, and dividing that by 3 results in 56.4. This method can be easier for those who find direct division by 15 challenging.
Public Reaction and Implications
Commenters on Hannah's video expressed bewilderment, with many admitting they couldn't solve the problem without guidance. Some said they were still confused after watching the explanation, expressing relief that they are no longer in school. One user remarked, "Watching these videos closely as I'm hoping to resit my GCSE," while another added, "You're confusing me more!"
This incident underscores broader issues in maths education, such as the gap between adult numeracy skills and school-level expectations. It also raises questions about how mathematical concepts are taught and retained over time. For students, however, the question serves as a reminder of the importance of mastering fundamental arithmetic without relying on calculators.
As exams approach, resources like Hannah's videos are invaluable for revision, helping demystify complex problems and build confidence among learners.
