It is a widely held view that mathematics is not the most popular subject for many individuals. It can be challenging, at times confusing, and quite demanding, especially when dealing with topics such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
However, one might anticipate that adults should be capable of responding to questions that are typically directed at children.
It seems that what appears simple is not always so, as a seemingly basic math query shared by a Reddit user sparked substantial discussion on social platforms. There was a lack of consensus on the correct response.
The user who presented the puzzling question mentioned that it left him perplexed as he attempted to identify which of the four time options was nearest to midnight.
The responses provided were as follows:
A) 11.55am
B) 12.06am
C) 11.50am
D) 12.03am
“What are your thoughts?” queried the poster in conjunction with the mathematical problem.
Reddit
As anticipated, this prompted a variety of responses and interpretations.
Several online participants were convinced that option A was the correct choice, while others contested this selection, questioning its validity and inquiring how it was arrived at. One commentator humorously remarked, “Lmao, how is everyone picking A? That’s nearly noon.”
Conversely, those selecting A promptly presented their rationales, with one individual asserting, “IT STATES CLOSEST [TO] MIDNIGHT…NOT AFTER MIDNIGHT. A.”
A bewildered user pondered, “The question is formulated as ‘to’ midnight, not ‘from’ midnight. Shouldn’t A be correct since time only progresses forward?”
Another user concurred that the phrasing of the question likely caused confusion. “The ‘trick’ intended by the poster appears to revolve around intentional language ambiguity. If I instruct four acquaintances, ‘Arrive here as near to midnight as you can,’ the one showing up at 11:55 AM wouldn’t emerge victorious,” someone commented.
Reddit
Many individuals argue that D constitutes the correct choice. Their rationale is as follows: “If it’s a question that hinges on semantics, the nearest time ‘to’ midnight would be 11:55 AM because by 12:03, midnight has already elapsed. The nearest time ‘from’ midnight would be 12:03 AM,” elucidated one user. “12:03 is merely 3 minutes away from midnight, making it the closest among the given options. I have never encountered ‘close to’ being interpreted differently than this,” another user supplemented.
What is your perspective? Is this question also causing you a dilemma?
Share your viewpoint on the correct solution in the comments section below.
