Only a Maths Whiz Can Solve These 155-year-old MIT Entrance Exam Algebra Questions

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is known for its exceptional programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Established in 1861 in Boston, the institute relocated to Cambridge in 1916. Every year, thousands of hopeful applicants apply to this prestigious institution, but only a select few- around 4.8 per cent – can make it. With so many aspiring to graduate from MIT, it’s no surprise that when an entrance exam from over 150 years ago went viral on social media, people flocked to test their skills. While some found the algebra questions asked in the entrance exams “surprisingly simple” and “doable”, others said that it was “difficult” and admitted they would have “failed miserably”.

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The institute, which has produced over 101 Nobel laureates, posed seven algebra questions in one of its entrance exams held on June 7, 1869. Among the questions, candidates were asked to find the numeric value of a given expression, simplify equations, and tackle multiplication and division problems. One question even required them to reduce a fraction to its lowest terms.

Take a look at the entrance exam from MIT’s entrance exam conducted in 1869 below:

The questions asked in the MIT entrance exam went viral on X (formerly known as Twitter) with over 6.5 million views and still counting. Many even flocked to the comments section after solving them.

Here’s how people reacted to this MIT entrance exam:

“Children do this in the 7th grade in Romania,” said an individual.

Another added, “Looks doable. How much time?”

“Surprisingly simple test. This is taught to 15 -16-year-olds in most countries today,” expressed a third.

A fourth commented, “As a 53-year-old engineer, I would fail this today. Too many years not using it.”

“Can we have the answers to compare with our solutions?” said yet another Internet user and we all agree.

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A sixth X user joined, “As it should be. If you can’t do these problems, then your high school failed you and you need a refresher before MIT.”

“I must admit I would have failed miserably,” chimed in an Internet user, while another added, “This used to give me brain drain!! To this day I’ve yet to find a purpose for this in life.”

How many of these questions did you manage to solve correctly? Did you use a calculator, or were you able to work them out with just pen and paper?