Remember… The school bell that kept ringing, the multiplication tables recited at breakneck speed, the wide-ruled notebooks, and the Monday morning tests. Just thinking about it brings a gentle wave of nostalgia. But let’s be honest: how long has it been since you actually solved a simple math problem? And be warned, it’s not as easy as it might seem…
A child’s calculation… that even tricks adults
Here’s an example straight from a second-grade (CE2) textbook (equivalent to primary school in France) . At first glance, everyone thinks they can solve it with their eyes closed. However, once you get started, you quickly realize that the answer isn’t so simple. And that’s where it gets interesting. Ready? Here’s the problem:
6 ÷ 2(1 + 2) = ?
So? Does an instinctive answer come to mind? If you guessed 1 , you’re far from alone. But… that’s not the right answer.
Why the majority are wrong
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