US high school students given maths problem about sexual assault

A US high school has apologised after students were given a maths homework assignment that asked which family member had sexually assaulted a girl.

The assignment focused on late write and civil rights activist Maya Angelou and her autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."

It provided a math formula that asked: "Angelou was sexually abused by her mother's --- at age 8, which shaped her career choices and motivation for writing."

Students at Pennridge High School in Pennsylvania were asked to use the formula before deciding whether the answer was boyfriend, brother or father.

The homework was reportedly coupled with a word puzzle about the book and author.

KYW-TV reports the district says the assignment was from a website that allows teachers around the world to share resources.

The district said steps have been taken to make sure it never happens again.