Multiplication Word Problem Worksheets 3rd Grade - Free Printable

Let’s go through each problem one by one to find which one is the “trick” problem — meaning, it’s not a multiplication problem.

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Problem 1:
A pack of pens contains 3 pens. How many pens in 2 packs?
→ This is 3 × 2 = 6 → Multiplication ✔

Problem 2:
How many wheels on 3 cars?
→ Each car has 4 wheels → 4 × 3 = 12 → Multiplication ✔

Problem 3:
A paperclip is made from 10cm of wire. How much wire for 3 paperclips?
→ 10 × 3 = 30 cm → Multiplication ✔

Problem 4:
Sally runs 3 miles a day. How far in 3 days?
→ 3 × 3 = 9 miles → Multiplication ✔

Problem 5:
I buy 5 apples on Monday, and 7 more on Tuesday. How many total?
→ This is 5 + 7 = 12 → Addition, not multiplication ❗️

Problem 6:
A multipack holds 6 packets. How many packs in 2 multipacks?
→ 6 × 2 = 12 → Multiplication ✔

Problem 7:
Rocket takes 7 seconds per mile. How long for 2 miles?
→ 7 × 2 = 14 seconds → Multiplication ✔

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So, only Problem 5 uses addition instead of multiplication. That’s the trick problem!

Final Answer:
Problem 5