The Royal Society of Chemistry in UK is offering a
£500 prize to one person who can answer this math question which is used by Chinese universities in their entrance tests. Compare that with the test set by English universities for first year students and you'll know how far more advanced maths teaching is in China. The question isn’t really that hard, but the English geometry question is just ridiculously easy! Anyone wishing to enter the competition should
send the correct answer by Noon Friday 27 April.
Posts
7 thoughts:
I solved them all. Hooking up the scanner now
I lived in Asia (Philippines) the first 12 years of my life and can say for myself that education in Asia (in private schools) is much, not so much better, but more advanced.
I was surprised to come to Canada and find that I could speak and write proper English better than a lot of my classmates (though that ended when I adapted :P ).
I don't mean this to be an insult to North America. I actually favor the education here as it focuses more on application rather than book knowledge. As well, students' lives in Asia, at least from my experience, revolved around school.
I think we started learning Algebra in Grade 4 (the basics)
The million dollar question in today's episode of "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" was: What is the only prime number that is a factor of 16. Tooooooo easy! But of course, he didn't know.
Yeah, math here is terrible.
I think those two questions 'maybe' out of context. The left question might have been placed in the a ONE hour long exam =P and the other one well 2 minutes.
BUT, you have to look at the format of the exams as well. The format in the Chinese university exam may have been 7 'freaking' hard questions follow in 1-2 hours vs. the N. America version of 1 hours 75 questions =P.
And yes I agree, I think in most Asian country (mine being one of them), they start teaching math pretty early. I remember I learn basics + advance version of Algebra when I was in 5th grade.
But please remember that it does NOT matter how far advance an education level such and such have, it's how you use the knowledge that matter--plus it depends on the person's passion for the subject.
*Who cares if you know 1 is the only prime factor of 16. If you understand the concept of prime number (and how it apply to number pattern :), it good enough =P.
Actually, my bad it's 2 that the only prime factor in 16. They 'outlawed' 1 .
every person can solve a problem of any kind, its just that it may take you a little longer than others, maybe years. the point is being smart is all about getting the answer correct and faster. both are based on trigonometry. obviously the one on the left will take you more time than the one on the right.
If you think you are not smart the best you can do is invert your thoughts, you will be equal to so-called intelligent.
editt:
both questions are based on trigonometry
What do you think? Post your thoughts..