You're right to look for the “trick” problem — it’s a great way to test understanding!
Let’s go through each problem and solve it, then identify which one is
not actually a multiplication problem.
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Problem 1:
> I buy 2 packs of 5 hotdogs for a barbeque. How many hotdogs in total?
✔ Multiplication: 2 packs × 5 hotdogs =
10 hotdogs
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Problem 2:
> In a racing game, I score 3 points on level 1, and 4 points on level 2. How many points have I scored in total?
✘ This is the TRICK PROBLEM!
This is
addition, not multiplication. You’re adding two different scores:
3 + 4 =
7 points
There’s no repeated group or scaling — just combining two separate amounts.
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Problem 3:
> My favourite music track on YouTube lasts 4 minutes. How long will it take me to listen to it 2 times?
✔ Multiplication: 4 minutes × 2 =
8 minutes
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Problem 4:
> Tyger builds a tower which is 2 inches tall. Flame’s tower is 3 times taller. How tall is Flame’s tower?
✔ Multiplication: 2 inches × 3 =
6 inches
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Problem 5:
> How many legs do 2 cats have?
✔ Multiplication: Each cat has 4 legs → 2 cats × 4 legs =
8 legs
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Problem 6:
> Captain Salamander eats 2 worms a day. How many will he eat in 4 days?
✔ Multiplication: 2 worms/day × 4 days =
8 worms
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Problem 7:
> A rocket firework explodes into 3 stars. How many stars will 3 rockets make?
✔ Multiplication: 3 rockets × 3 stars =
9 stars
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##
✔ Final Answer:
>
The trick problem is #2.
> It asks for the total points from two different levels — this requires
addition (3 + 4), not multiplication.
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💡
Why this matters:
Multiplication is used when you have *equal groups* or are *scaling* a quantity. Problem 2 gives two *different* point values — no equal groups, no scaling — so it’s addition.
Great job spotting that! 🎯
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of 2nd grade math problem solving worksheet.
