This Basic Math Problem Went Viral Because Most People Can’t Solve It

Math is a big topic in the United States, most notably because we’re badly falling behind the rest of the world in terms of mathematical comprehension.

Students in the U.S. are improving but still lagging behind the rest of the world. According to the most recent Pew study, American students scored #35 worldwide in math.

That ain’t good.

This math equation is incredibly unique, not because it’s an interesting problem, but because it went totally viral in Japan. Only 60% of people in their 20’s could answer it. The same question in the 1980’s could be answered by 90% of Americans in their 20’s.

Can you solve it?

Math is a big topic in the United States, most notably because we’re badly falling behind the rest of the world in terms of mathematical comprehension.

Students in the U.S. are improving but still lagging behind the rest of the world. According to the most recent Pew study, American students scored #35 worldwide in math.

That ain’t good.

This math equation is incredibly unique, not because it’s an interesting problem, but because it went totally viral in Japan. Only 60% of people in their 20’s could answer it. The same question in the 1980’s could be answered by 90% of Americans in their 20’s.