NUMBER GAME

Desperate mum asks for help with her 10-year-old daughter’s ‘trick’ maths homework but gets totally savaged in response

A BAFFLED mum has desperately asked for help with her six-year-old daughter’s maths homework, admitting she thought it was a ‘trick’ question.

Despite the homework being aimed at kids in Year One, the mum was left scratching her head over a question about starfishes.

She shared a snap of the schoolwork to Facebook group , where it sparked a fierce debate.

The mum said: “Assistance needed please. I’m thinking this is a trick question.

“How do I explain this to a 6 year old. Thanks.”

She shared the question which was baffling her, which read: “In three tanks, the least amount of starfish is 4.

I’m thinking this is a trick question
Mum

“The most amount of starfish is 18.

“How many could there be in the middle tank?

“Show two possible answers.”

The question appears to be testing childrens’ concept of ‘least’ and ‘most, and in theory any two numbers between four and 18 could be the answer.

But the deceptively simple answer also left others equally puzzled.

Commenting on the post, one person advised “Get a ruler - show 4 and 18 and pick two numbers in between.”

Another asked: “It’s just any amount greater than four or less than 18 surely?”

A third joked: “Thanks for that brain pain I’m baffled.”

Someone else wrote: “It could be any numbers between 4 and 18.”

While this mum fumed: “Crikey why can’t maths be simple?! +-x and divide.”

And another suggested: “A number line would be really helpful.

“Start with do they understand least and most and in between.

“Get pasta out and have a least and most pot - most six year olds need to see it. Good luck.”

After getting help with the homework, the mum thanked everyone who gave their advice.

She added: “Thanks everyone for your comments it has helped. Much appreciated.”

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