Tricky(?) Crocodile Maths Exam Question

[Dieter]

(10-09-2015 03:47 PM)Gerald H Wrote:  Better solved with a calculator or pencil & paper?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/edu...tears.html

So this is "...challenging, reportedly reducing some pupils to tears" for 17-18 year old students? And it is "far, far in advance of what was required"? I can't believe it.

An equation T(x) is already given, you simply have to insert two values (0 and 20) for x, and for the third question you minimize it which requires nothing but the most basic calculus skills. The solution – with paper and pencil – should not require more than a few minutes.

But maybe I do not get the point here. In this case may a native speaker please explain what's so special with this question.

BTW the answer is the number of points you can score for the correct solution. ;-)

Dieter