Let's solve each of the multiplication problems step by step and identify the
"trick" problem that is *not* a multiplication problem.
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1) A pack of pens contains 3 pens. How many pens in 2 packs?
- Each pack has 3 pens.
- Number of packs = 2
- Total pens = $ 3 \times 2 = 6 $
✔ Answer: 6 pens
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2) How many wheels on 3 cars?
- Each car has 4 wheels.
- Number of cars = 3
- Total wheels = $ 4 \times 3 = 12 $
✔ Answer: 12 wheels
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3) A paperclip is made from 10cm of wire. How much wire would I need for 3 paperclips?
- Wire per paperclip = 10 cm
- Number of paperclips = 3
- Total wire = $ 10 \times 3 = 30 $ cm
✔ Answer: 30 cm
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4) Sally runs for 3 miles a day. How far will she run in 3 days?
- Distance per day = 3 miles
- Number of days = 3
- Total distance = $ 3 \times 3 = 9 $ miles
✔ Answer: 9 miles
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5) I buy 5 apples on Monday, and 7 more on Tuesday. How many have I bought in total?
- Apples on Monday = 5
- Apples on Tuesday = 7
- Total = $ 5 + 7 = 12 $
⚠️ This is
addition, not multiplication.
✘ This is the trick problem!
✔ Answer: 12 apples
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6) A multipack bag of crisps holds 6 packets. How many packs of crisps in 2 multipacks?
- Packets per multipack = 6
- Number of multipacks = 2
- Total packets = $ 6 \times 2 = 12 $
✔ Answer: 12 packs
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7) It takes a rocket 7 seconds to travel a mile. How long would it take the rocket to go 2 miles at that speed?
- Time for 1 mile = 7 seconds
- For 2 miles = $ 7 \times 2 = 14 $ seconds
✔ Answer: 14 seconds
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✔ Final Answer:
- The
trick problem is
Problem 5, because it involves
addition, not multiplication.
- All others are multiplication problems.
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🎯 Summary:
| Problem | Type | Solution |
|--------|-------------|---------|
| 1 | Multiplication | 6 pens |
| 2 | Multiplication | 12 wheels |
| 3 | Multiplication | 30 cm |
| 4 | Multiplication | 9 miles |
| 5 |
✘ Addition (Trick!) | 12 apples |
| 6 | Multiplication | 12 packs |
| 7 | Multiplication | 14 seconds |
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🎉
Did you spot the trick problem?
👉 Yes!
Problem 5 is the one that is
not a multiplication problem — it’s an
addition problem.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of math word problems worksheet grade 3.
