It’s not unexpected that individuals on social media frequently find themselves at odds over various issues. However, there’s one specific question that has significantly polarized opinions.
The enjoyment of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter lies in the ability to share lighthearted questions or riddles, eliciting input from people worldwide. Yet, as we are well aware, this can also transform comment sections into arenas for intense debates.
That’s precisely the scenario that unfolded when The Daily Sprinkle posted a playful math riddle on its Original Crafts and Hacks Facebook page.
The riddle took the form of a seemingly straightforward question about two brothers: “When I was 6, my brother was half my age. Now that I’m 30, how old is my brother?”
Remarkably, this unassuming post has garnered over 27,000 comments in just a few weeks. Responses can be neatly categorized into two groups: those with correct answers and those with incorrect answers.
Let’s begin with the Incorrect Answers…
A Facebook user responded with: “He’s still half my age,” and another concurred, stating: “Half your age still.”
“Of course, 15 is half of 30,” added one user, while another wrote, “15 is half his age.”
In fact, “half his age” or “15” emerged as a highly popular response, with additional comments such as: “15 years of age” and “Yes, he is 15 years old.”
Many people were convinced the answer was 15. Credit: izusek/Getty Images
Nevertheless, falling for the trap of 15 is precisely what this specific riddle aims for. Let’s take a moment to analyze the question and the mathematics involved.
“When I was 6, my brother was half my age…” – This implies that when I was six years old, my brother would have been three years old.
“Now I’m 30, how old is my brother?” If my brother was three years younger than me when I was six, it means he is – and will always be – three years younger than me.
So, 30 minus 3 equals 27. Therefore, my brother is now 27 years old.
Luckily, several individuals managed to provide the accurate answer. A Facebook user remarked, “27. He has consistently been three years younger, though not always exactly half.”
Another contributor expressed, “I might be terrible at math, but even I can figure out it’s 27. It’s not rocket science; I can’t believe some are suggesting 15.”
Meanwhile, let’s pause to acknowledge Colin’s ingenious response and the commotion it stirred:
