This is one of those questions that looks simple… until people start arguing about it. A primary school teacher once gave this question: Question 1: A farmer has 15 goats. All but 8 run away. How many goats are left? Most people quickly answer 7 (15 − 8). That is the first trap. But the correct answer is 8. Why? Because the phrase “all but 8” means everything except 8. So 8 goats remain. The mistake is not mathematics — it is interpretation. Now try another one: Question 2: A basket contains 12 oranges. You take away 4 oranges. How many oranges do you have? Pause before answering. Most people say 8 (12 − 4). Wrong again. The correct answer is 4. Why? Because the question did NOT ask how many are left in the basket. It asked how many you have taken. The lesson here is simple: In mathematics, reading is part of solving. One misunderstood word can completely change the answer. This is why exams often test wording, not just calculation. Before you rush to calculate, always ask: What exactly is the question asking? What is already given vs what is being requested? Now your turn: 👇 If a man gives you 10 apples and you eat 3, how many apples do you have?
