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Glite Dictionary
mathsy problem

mathsy problem

8.5
A problem that needs math thinking to solve
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : problema matemático
  • The teacher gave us a particularly tricky mathsy problem for homework this week.

Examples

  • Some students enjoy the challenge of a good mathsy problem more than standard exercises.

  • Whenever I see a mathsy problem, I can't resist trying to solve it.

  • This is a challenging mathsy problem!

  • Can you solve this mathsy problem?

  • Some students enjoy the challenge of a good mathsy problem more than standard exercises.

  • The teacher gave us a particularly tricky mathsy problem for homework this week.

  • Whenever I see a mathsy problem, I can't resist trying to solve it.

Surface Forms

mathsy problem singular
mathsy problems plural

Morphology

mathsy + problem

The phrase is directly compositional: 'mathsy' is an informal adjectival form from 'math' meaning 'math-like', and combined with 'problem' yields 'a problem involving mathematical thinking'. Although 'mathsy' is colloquial and may be less familiar, the morphological formation is regular and a B1 learner who knows the constituents can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

The phrase mathsy problem comes from the word math plus a playful ending, so it paints a picture of a problem full of numbers and steps. That's why mathsy problem means 'a problem that needs the kind of thinking you use in math'.