Can you solve 7x - 5y = 24? Find out if you could have gained admission to MIT with this viral entrance exam

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has long been recognized as a premier institution for engineering, mathematics, and science. With a history spanning almost 200 years since its founding in 1861, the institute boasts over 101 Nobel laureates and 8 Fields Medalists among its alumni and faculty. However, its admission process remains one of the most selective in the world, with an acceptance rate of only 4%. Recently, an entrance exam from June 1869 has captured the attention of the internet, offering a glimpse into the past of one of the most prestigious academic environments.

MIT Entrance Exam from 1869

A Reddit post showcasing the entrance exam question paper has gone viral. The exam paper, dated just eight years after MIT's establishment, reflects a different approach to admissions. Initially, students who enrolled in 1865 were not required to take formal entrance exams; they only needed to be «properly prepared.» However, an entrance test was introduced later, and the 1869 paper includes an algebra section.

Content of the Exam

The test bears the title «Massachusetts Institute of Technology» and presents algebraic equations that many find surprisingly simple. In addition to algebra, the original test reportedly included sections on geometry, arithmetic, English, and calculus.

Social Media Reactions

The reaction to the historical exam has been mixed, with many users on social media expressing amusement at the perceived simplicity of the questions. One user commented, «Good to know that I could have