You're right to look for the “trick” problem — and yes,
Problem #5 is the trick problem because it is
not a multiplication problem. It’s an
addition problem.
Let’s go through each problem one by one and explain why:
---
✔ Problem 1:
> A pack of pens contains 6 pens. How many pens in 7 packs?
Solution: 6 × 7 =
42 pens
→ This is multiplication: 7 groups of 6.
---
✔ Problem 2:
> How many wheels on 12 cars?
*(Assuming standard 4-wheeled cars)*
Solution: 12 × 4 =
48 wheels
→ Multiplication: 12 cars × 4 wheels each.
---
✔ Problem 3:
> A paperclip is made from 10cm of wire. How much wire would I need for 11 paperclips?
Solution: 10 × 11 =
110 cm
→ Multiplication: 11 paperclips × 10 cm each.
---
✔ Problem 4:
> Sally runs for 3 miles a day. How far will she run in 2 weeks?
*(2 weeks = 14 days)*
Solution: 3 × 14 =
42 miles
→ Multiplication: 14 days × 3 miles per day.
---
✘ Problem 5 (The TRICK problem!):
> I buy 12 apples on Monday, and 7 more on Tuesday. How many have I bought in total?
Solution: 12 + 7 =
19 apples
→ This is
addition, not multiplication. There’s no repeated group or scaling — just two separate quantities being added together.
✔ This is the trick problem!
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✔ Problem 6:
> A multipack bag of crisps holds 6 packets. How many packs of crisps in 12 multipacks?
Solution: 6 × 12 =
72 packets
→ Multiplication: 12 multipacks × 6 packets each.
---
✔ Problem 7:
> It takes a rocket 7 seconds to travel a mile. How long would it take the rocket to go 14 miles at that speed?
Solution: 7 × 14 =
98 seconds
→ Multiplication: 14 miles × 7 seconds per mile.
---
## 🎯 Final Answer:
>
The trick problem is #5, because it requires
addition (12 + 7), not multiplication.
All other problems involve finding the total of equal-sized groups — which is what multiplication is for. Problem #5 is simply combining two different amounts — classic addition.
Great job spotting the trick! 😊
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of 3rd grade math worksheets multiplication.
