Imagine walking into a job interview at Walmart, and instead of the usual questions about your skills or experience, you’re handed this riddle:
“An apple is $2. Now buy 3, get 1 free. If you want to buy 48 apples, how much money should you pay?”
Looks easy, right? At first glance, it’s basic math—but that’s exactly what makes it so clever. This little brain teaser has been making the rounds online, stumping people of all ages. So before scrolling for the answer, take a second. Think about it. Then see how you did.
Where Most People Go Wrong
Many people make the same mistake. They take the price of one apple—$2—and multiply it by 48 apples. That gives:
48 × $2 = $96
Sounds logical, but it’s completely wrong. Why? Because they’re ignoring the “buy 3, get 1 free” deal. That’s the twist. And that tiny detail changes everything.
Breaking It Down: Step-by-Step Logic
Let’s solve it the right way using some quick logic and easy division.
Step 1: Understand the Deal
The promo says: buy 3 apples, get 1 free. That means for every 4 apples you get, you’re only paying for 3. So to get 48 apples, divide 48 by 4.
48 ÷ 4 = 12 deal groups
Step 2: How Many Apples Do You Actually Pay For?
Each group includes 1 free apple. So in each group of 4, you only pay for 3.
Video : I have three apples. If you take away two from me, how many do you have?
12 groups × 3 paid apples = 36 apples you pay for
Step 3: Multiply by Price per Apple
Each apple costs $2. Multiply that by the 36 apples you’re actually paying for.
36 × $2 = $72
So, the final answer is: $72.
Why These Little Details Matter
It’s super easy to overlook a small discount in a word problem like this. That’s why so many people default to full price. But in real life—and definitely in job tests—missing the details can cost you. Literally.
This puzzle isn’t just testing your math skills. It’s testing your ability to read carefully, analyze logically, and apply a real-world concept.
The Psychology Behind the Mistake
Our brains love shortcuts. When we see numbers, we go into “math mode” and forget to re-read the fine print. Instead of stopping to ask, “Wait, how many apples am I actually paying for?” we go straight to “48 apples × $2.” But logic puzzles like this one are designed to catch that exact mistake.
They challenge you to step back and say, “What’s really going on here?”
A Great Example of Critical Thinking in Action
If you cracked this puzzle on your first try—congrats! You’ve got strong attention to detail and logical thinking. If not? No worries. The point is to learn to slow down, think critically, and really look at what’s being asked.
Video : Viral Math Puzzle – Coconut Apple Banana Puzzle
It’s a good reminder that sometimes the question is hiding in plain sight—but the answer is only obvious if you spot the trick.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Underestimate the Simple Ones
Puzzles like this one are perfect for sharpening your logic and attention to detail. They might seem easy, but they pack a punch. And they remind us that the obvious answer isn’t always the right one.
Keep testing yourself with riddles, puzzles, and brain teasers like these—they’re not only fun but also great for keeping your mind sharp.
And next time you see a “buy 3, get 1 free” deal… you’ll definitely know how to do the math.
