Understanding Question Six's Significance

The video discusses the legendary 'question six' from the 1988 International Mathematical Olympiad, known for its difficulty and the fact that it stumped even a Fields medalist, Terence Tao, who was only thirteen at the time. The problem was created by a West German mathematician and was so challenging that even experts couldn't solve it in six hours. The video encourages viewers to attempt solving the problem and provides information about a follow-up video for the solution.

What is the significance of question six in the context of the International Mathematical Olympiad?

• It was the easiest question ever presented.

• It was a question that stumped even a Fields medalist.

• It was the first question ever asked in the Olympiad.

• It was a question that everyone solved perfectly.

In which year and country was the Math Olympiad held where question six became famous?

• 1990, Germany

• 1988, Australia

• 2000, USA

• 1985, Canada

How did Terence Tao perform on question six during the 1988 Math Olympiad?

• He solved it perfectly.

• He scored full marks.

• He scored one out of seven.

• He did not attempt it.

What was unique about the creation of question six?

• It was the longest question ever.

• It was solved by all experts in six hours.

• It was submitted despite being unsolved by experts.

• It was created by a student.

What does the problem statement of question six involve?

• Calculating the area of a triangle.

• Proving a division results in a square integer.

• Finding the roots of a quadratic equation.

• Solving a linear equation.

What is the main challenge in solving question six?

• It requires knowledge of calculus.

• It involves simple arithmetic.

• It is designed to mislead those familiar with high school math.

• It is a straightforward problem.

What is the expected outcome when solving the equation in question six?

• The result is always zero.

• The result is always a prime number.

• The result is always a fraction.

• The result is either a fraction or a square number.

What is the significance of the double asterisk next to question six in the original test?

• It means the question was added last minute.

• It shows the question is worth double points.

• It marks the question as particularly difficult.

• It indicates the question is optional.

What is the purpose of the Great Courses Plus mentioned in the video?

• To provide free math tutoring.

• To sell math textbooks.

• To offer a collection of video lectures on various topics.

• To organize math competitions.

What is the next step suggested for viewers interested in the solution to question six?

• Wait for the next video on Numberphile2.

• Purchase a math textbook.

• Attend a live seminar.

• Email the presenter for the solution.