It’s not just American homework that can stump parents—international educational systems have their own unique challenges. Some problems shared online highlight just how tough homework questions can get, especially when approached from different cultural and educational perspectives.

The Singaporean Math Puzzle That Took Over the Internet

Singapore is famous for its high educational standards, and one Grade 1 math problem shared on Twitter took the world by storm. The problem appeared so difficult that it led to a flurry of responses. Only after someone tweaked the problem slightly did they manage to solve it.

This shows that what might be standard in one educational system can be baffling to those unfamiliar with it. The difference in teaching methods from country to country can create confusion when viewed through a foreign lens.

The Perplexing Perimeter Problem: More Than Just Geometry

A geometry problem posted on Twitter asked students to calculate the perimeter of a rectilinear shape based on another similar shape’s dimensions. The level of complexity had people joking that it was “totally reasonable” to give to a ten-year-old.

While math problems are meant to build critical thinking, this example showed that some questions can be too advanced for the age group they target, leaving both students and parents frustrated.

The Six-Year-Old’s Mystery Question: Apples and Paint Splatter

A six-year-old’s homework question left both parents and Reddit users scratching their heads. The question involved a picture of a paint splatter and several apples, asking, “How many apples could be covered by the paint? There cannot be more than 20.” The question’s vague phrasing and abstract concept made it difficult for anyone to provide a definitive answer.

One Reddit user suggested that the question might be a riddle, designed to provoke creative thinking rather than elicit a straightforward answer. Regardless of the intent, this question demonstrates how even early education can sometimes challenge the understanding of both students and their parents.

Singaporean Math: The Grade 1 Problem That Stumped the Internet