Seemingly simple question leaves social media users absolutely stumped

It is no surprise that people on social media are often split over certain issues, but one particular question has left people thoroughly divided.

Part of the fun of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter is that you can share a trivial question or riddle and people from all over the world can share their input. However, as we know all too well, this can also lead to comments sections becoming forums for heated debates.

And that's exactly what happened when The Daily Sprinkle shared a frivolous maths riddle on its Original Crafts and Hacks Facebook page.

The riddle was disguised as a simple question about two brothers: "When I was 6 my brother was half my age. Now I'm 30, how old is my brother?

Amazingly, the simple post has amassed more than 27,000 comments in just a matter of weeks. And it is perhaps easiest to split the responses into two categories: Correct Answers and Wrong Answers.

Let's start with the Wrong Answers...

One Facebook user replied: "He still half my age", and another agreed, commenting: "Half your age still."

"Of course 15 half of 30," another added, with another writing: "15 half his age".

In fact, "half his age" or "15" was a tremendously popular answer, with others adding: "15 yrs of age" and: "Yes he is 15 years old".

Many people were convinced the answer was 15. Credit: izusek/Getty Images

However, 15 is certainly the trap this particular riddle wants people to fall into. But let's just take a moment to break down the question and the maths involved.

"When I was 6 my brother was half my age..." - This means that when I was six years old, my brother would have been three years old.

"Now I'm 30, how old is my brother?" Well, if my brother was three years younger than me when I was six, it means he is - and always will be - three years younger than me.

So, 30 minus 3 equals 27. My brother is now 27 years old.

Fortunately, there were many people who did get the correct answer, as one Facebook user commented: "27. He’s always been 3 years younger, but not always half."

Another added: "I’m totally garbage at maths but it’s 27 it’s not rocket science can’t believe people are saying 15".

And, in the meantime, let's take a moment to appreciate Colin's genius answer and for causing such a stir:

Credit: Facebook

Did you get the correct answer? Let us know in the comments.

Featured image credit: izusek/Getty Images