A math puzzle for 5th graders in China has left everyone around the world scratching their heads. The statement was:
“If a ship had 26 sheep and 10 goats onboard, how old is the ship’s captain?”
First look at the statement makes you think how this information is supposed to help you get to the bottom of this. People had some interesting answers.
Another person, who probably doesn’t do good in any maths exam said
One person did get the answer right technically.
This man was on the right track
In China, if you’re driving a ship that has more than 5,000kg of cargo you need to have possessed a boat license for 5 years. The minimum age for getting a boat’s license is 23, so he’s at least 28. The Shunqing Education Department said that the question was aimed to raise the critical awareness among students and it was to encourage them to give their own answers.
If you do not live in China and could not solve the math puzzle then don’t feel bad because it is impossible to solve unless you know the licensing laws in China.