Imagine heading into a job interview at Walmart. You sit down expecting the usual questions about your experience or work ethic, but instead, you’re hit with a math riddle:

“An apple costs $2. There’s a deal—buy 3, get 1 free. If you want to purchase 48 apples, how much should you pay?”

Sounds simple, right? It seems like basic multiplication. But that’s the beauty of it—it’s designed to trip you up. This riddle has gone viral for a reason: it’s deceptively easy but surprisingly tricky. Before jumping to the answer, give it a shot yourself. Then see if your math checks out.

Where People Typically Slip Up

Here’s the most common mistake:
People take the straightforward approach—$2 per apple times 48 apples—and get $96. That math is technically correct…if there were no discount. But that’s exactly what the question is testing: your ability to spot and apply the deal.

When people skip over the “buy 3, get 1 free” part, they miss the core of the riddle. And that small oversight leads to the wrong answer.

Let’s Break It Down the Right Way

To solve this properly, you have to understand the mechanics of the offer and how it affects the total price.

Step 1: Understand the Deal Structure
The promotion says you get one free apple for every three you buy. That means for every four apples, you’re only paying for three.

So how many sets of four apples are in 48 apples?

48 ÷ 4 = 12 complete groups of 4 apples.

Step 2: Determine How Many Apples You Actually Pay For
In each group of four apples, one is free. That means in each group, you’re only paying for three apples.

So, 12 groups × 3 apples = 36 apples paid for.

Step 3: Multiply by the Cost Per Apple
Each apple costs $2. Multiply that by the number of apples you’re actually paying for:

36 × $2 = $72

Final Answer: $72

Why This Riddle Is So Effective

This isn’t just a test of math—it’s a test of attention to detail. It shows whether you actually read the entire problem or just skimmed over it. And in a job interview setting, that speaks volumes. Employers want candidates who are careful, logical, and capable of interpreting instructions accurately.

It also demonstrates something psychological: when our brains spot numbers, we often go into “autopilot.” We immediately begin calculating without reading the fine print. That’s how clever little twists like this fly right past us.

The Psychology Behind the Misstep

This kind of riddle is built on a psychological quirk. Humans are wired to take shortcuts. We rely on patterns and habits—especially when dealing with numbers. The moment we see something like “48 apples at $2 each,” we rush to calculate:

48 × 2 = 96

We don’t pause to ask, “Hold on—am I actually paying for all 48?” That simple question would’ve saved us. But most people overlook it.

These riddles force us to slow down and evaluate—not just react.

Why Employers Love Questions Like This

In a retail setting like Walmart, attention to promotional details matters. Whether it’s applying the right sale at checkout, understanding inventory discounts, or handling pricing correctly—employees need to spot and apply the right logic. A riddle like this might seem lighthearted, but it’s actually a great indicator of whether you process information thoughtfully or rush through tasks.

If you solved it correctly on your first try, that’s a strong sign of critical thinking and precision. If you didn’t, that’s okay—because now you know how to spot this kind of trap in the future.

What You Can Learn From This

The key takeaway is to read carefully and think critically. Whether it’s a math riddle or a real-life scenario like applying store promotions or interpreting job instructions, the ability to slow down and analyze details is a valuable skill.

Next time you come across a deal like “buy 3, get 1 free,” you’ll know to do more than just multiply. You’ll think about the actual number of items you’re paying for. And that little habit could save you money—or land you a job.

Final Thoughts

This apple puzzle is a great reminder that sometimes the questions that look easiest are the ones designed to trip us up. They test not just your brain, but your habits. Do you read the full question? Do you consider all the details? Do you think before you calculate?

Keep challenging yourself with riddles, logic games, and word problems like this one. They’re fun—but more importantly, they sharpen your brain for real-life problem-solving. And who knows? The next time you’re in an interview, this skill might be exactly what sets you apart.