When a graduate can’t solve a P6 question

So I spent a good amount of time trying to solve my student’s P6 question from a Primary 6 Mathematics preliminary examination paper from a respectable school.

And I was unable to.

So today, I made my younger sister, a very competent accountant, a good cup of coffee and she agreed to help her poor sister out. (“Oh, how the tables have turned,” she must have thought.)

She eventually did, but not without cracking her skull a little and taking large sips out of her coffee.

This, my friends, is what is wrong with our education system.

When it takes 2 graduates to solve a question meant for a 12-year-old, you know there’s something seriously wrong with our education system.

And all this for what? To create a generation brilliant only at solving PSLE Mathematicians problem when what our country needs are innovators?

I desire to create a school where we teach relevant skills, coding, empathy, compassion, entrepreneurship.

But this is next to impossible when the PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examinations) continues to stifle and discourage generation after generation of youngsters, making them feel stupid and worthless when they are so, so much more.

I wonder if our Cabinet Ministers, working alone, and under a 10-minute time constraint, would be able to solve this question. (Without the use of algebra mind you.)

And what is the state of our education system that I would have to resort to such a gimmick to get their attention?

Sigh.

*Edited: Here is part the solution provided by one of my readers, thank you Yuan Kang!