Latest news with #BobbySeagull
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Can you solve this maths question meant for children
A maths problem shared by British elementary school teacher and TV presenter Bobby Seagull has left the internet stumped. Seagull posted the time-based question, which a friend's 7-year-old brought home from school, admitting he couldn't solve it himself. The problem asks if one agrees with 'Dina' regarding baking times for cake and brownies, but lacks Dina's statement or sufficient details for a clear calculation. Experts suggest the question is designed as a discussion prompt rather than a straightforward calculation, requiring more information to be solved. Social media users have criticised the confusing wording and lack of clarity in the question, highlighting the need for additional context.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Viral Elementary School Math Question Stumps Teacher—and the Internet
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An elementary school math question has left not only students but also a seasoned teacher—and much of the internet—scratching their heads. Bobby Seagull, @bobby_seagull, shared the puzzle his friend's 7-year-old child received at school on Threads, where it quickly racked up more than 116,000 views. "I get sent tricky maths questions all the time, so I thought this one would be a piece of cake—but when I read it, I couldn't even find a clear question! "To check I wasn't going mad, I shared it on social media... and suddenly Dina's baking schedule was going viral across Threads, Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok. Some responses were hilarious ('don't mess with Dina'), others were genuine attempts to solve it. The sensible conclusion? It's probably missing a key bit of information meaning it's an unsolvable problem as it is. "While I'd rather see deeper maths debates go viral, at least it's got people talking about how we teach maths—and if Dina's cake and brownies can do that, maybe it's a win for numeracy," said Seagull, a math teacher, ambassador for a numeracy charity, and co-host of the Maths Appeal podcast. The problem read: "Dina is baking. The cake bakes from 11 o'clock until half past 11. The brownies bake from 10 past 11 until 25 to 12. Do you agree with Dina? Explain your answer." Former upper-elementary math teacher, curriculum developer, and Doodles and Digits founder Caroline Farkas told Newsweek the problem needs more information to solve. Without additional details, the answer depends on assumptions. She noted that key factors—such as whether there's only one oven or the exact baking times—are missing. "That's what makes it a perfect conversation starter rather than a straightforward calculation," she explained. Farkas pointed out that time problems often trip students up because they don't follow a base-10 system. Learners must convert between minutes and hours, interpret phrases like "half past" and "to," and mentally model elapsed time—all easy places for errors. To support students, she uses tools such as number lines, t-charts, and analog clocks. A screenshot of the question causing the internet to scratch their heads. A screenshot of the question causing the internet to scratch their heads. Bobby Seagull/Bobby Seagull According to Farkas, challenges like this are ideal math warm-ups because they spark discussion, encourage students to defend their reasoning, and highlight how precise language impacts problem-solving. Multiple "reasonable" answers can emerge, which makes for rich conversation. She also incorporates "Which One Doesn't Belong?" prompts and visual puzzles to help students analyze patterns, make connections, and explain their thinking in different ways. Threads users were quick to weigh in. "I've never heard anyone say 25 to 12. That's just 11:35. You get half past, quarter after, quarter to. Everything else is generally rounded up. In the case of baking, you'd want to use the exact minute," said Chellykins. Another user wrote: "The first half of the statement before 5a) tells you that cake takes 30 minutes to cook and that brownies take 10 minutes longer then cake. As a teacher I expect you to teach 'show or read the whole question before attempting to answer.'" Debbie Furgueson offered her own take: "Dina needs to convey concisely what she needs me to agree or disagree about in regards to her baking. Please have her reframe the question in a mathematical manner in order for an answer to be found. Thank you.—Logical People Everywhere." Do you have any viral videos or pictures that you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
The Irish Sun
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Darts misses bullseye with Irish people as survey on sport's appeal produces damning verdict
MORE than half of Irish people don't consider darts to be a sport, shock research has revealed. A poll of 1,000 adults from the Republic of Ireland found 53 per cent believe it doesn't qualify for this form of entertainment, with 22 per cent saying it's because it lacks physical exertion and 19 per cent associating it more with leisure than a competition. 2 The exploits of teen phenom Luke Littler haven't won everyone over Credit: Getty 2 BBC TV presenter Bobby Seagull quizzed punters on the street over its sporting merits Credit: @bobby_seagull And 36 per cent see it as "just a game", with 21 per cent opposing it being included in the Olympic Games. More than three in 10 or 31 per cent went as far as to say they believe it's "controversial" to consider it a sport – alongside 61 per cent who thought the same of poker (61 per cent) and 49 per cent agreeing regarding chess. The study, commissioned by But TV presenter and darts enthusiast Bobby Seagull has revealed why it should and does qualify as a sport. Read More On Irish Sport According to Bobby, it's a mistake for anyone to underestimate it as darts shares many of the same core elements that define high-level competition. And while darts players may not look like your typical elite athlete - like a footballer or swimmer - they have unbelievable concentration, a fierce dedication to fine-tune their technique, and a command of mental maths that would blow away all but the sharpest minds. Bobby, who has partnered with Lottoland the online betting company to celebrate the launch of its 'It made me realise something important: while darts may still carry the image of being a casual pub game, that perception overlooks the sheer level of commitment required to reach the top.' Most read in Other Sports The research also found 83 per cent have dabbled in the sport, but only four per cent consider their ability to be "excellent". While 46 per cent believe they are 'average' and 10 per cent aren't afraid of admitting they are 'terrible'. Stephen Bunting ready for shock World Cup of Darts call-up if Luke Littler pulls out after cryptic post Of those who play regularly, 32 per cent want to work on their throwing technique, while 29 per cent know their accuracy needs to improve. And encouragingly, to align with the expert's way of thinking, 66 per cent do believe it requires as much mental focus as physical sports, according to the OnePoll stats. The spokesperson for 'It has been racking up some unexpected fans since 'Even though so many still don't consider darts a proper sport, it's interesting to see how the nation lacks the skills that professional players have. 'It's incredibly hard to be accurate and consistent on a darts board, so it's reassuring that even though many people don't think it's a sport, it still has the mental focus needed for more of a physical sport, like football.'
Irish Daily Star
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Star
Darts still seen as a 'pub game' with majority disagreeing it's a sport
A recent survey has found that 53% of Irish adults in the Republic of Ireland do not believe darts can be classified as a sport. The poll, which included 1,000 respondents, highlighted two primary reasons for this perception: 22% said it lacks physical exertion, and 19% feel it is more associated with leisure than competition. Additionally, over a third (36%) view darts as "just a game," while 21% are opposed to darts being included in the Olympic Games. Interestingly, 31% described the idea of categorizing darts as a sport as 'controversial.' This sentiment is not unique to darts, with activities like poker (61%) and chess (49%) also dividing opinion. Many feel similar about snooker (Image: Getty Images) The study, commissioned by also revealed that many people in Ireland take a similar stance towards activities like axe throwing and snooker. However, darts enthusiasts firmly believe the game qualifies as a sport. Bobby Seagull, a prominent advocate for darts, argues that it is a mistake to underestimate the level of skill and effort it takes. While dart players may not appear like conventional athletes such as footballers or swimmers, Seagull points out their extraordinary concentration, their dedication to honing technique, and their mastery of mental maths, which rivals some of the sharpest minds. The research also delved into people's personal experiences with darts. While a striking 83% of respondents admitted to having tried playing darts at some point in their lives, only 4% rated their skills as "excellent." Nearly half (46%) said their abilities are "average," with 10% plainly admitting to being "terrible." Among regular players, 32% expressed a desire to improve their throwing technique, while 29% acknowledged the need to work on their accuracy. Encouragingly, two-thirds (66%) of respondents agree that darts requires as much mental focus as many physical sports, according to the statistics gathered by OnePoll. A spokesperson for said: 'Darts started as a pub game, which could be why people have this perception, but a lot has changed in the last 10 years. 'It has been racking up some unexpected fans since Luke Littler burst onto the scene in 2023 and since then, it has encouraged thousands to have a go and follow in his footsteps. 'Even though so many still don't consider darts a proper sport, it's interesting to see how the nation lacks the skills that professional players have. 'It's incredibly hard to be accurate and consistent on a darts board, so it's reassuring that even though many people don't think it's a sport, it still has the mental focus needed for more of a physical sport, like football.'
