Are you ready for a playful twist on simple arithmetic? This colorful riddle features kiwis, oranges, and broccoli instead of plain numbers—and a final line that demands you respect the order of operations. First, decode each fruit and veggie value from the three setup equations. Then tackle the tricky expression Kiwi + Orange × Broccoli. Will you follow PEMDAS, or leap to the wrong conclusion? In our step‑by‑step guide, we’ll highlight common slip‑ups, walk you through each substitution, and reveal the clever logic behind the correct solution. Dive in, solve it, and share your reasoning below!
Can You Crack This Colorful Math Riddle?
At first glance, these equations look simple. But the final line—Kiwi + Orange × Broccoli = ?—often snares eager solvers who forget one key rule. Will you catch the trick? Work through each step, then share your answer in the comments!
Video
Brain feeling foggy? Clear it up with these playful challenges!
Common Pitfalls: Why People Get It Wrong
- Ignoring Order of Operations (PEMDAS): Many plug in values left to right, treating “+” and “×” equally.
- Skipping Steps: Jumping straight to the last line without confirming each variable.
- Assuming All Items Are Equal: Forgetting that pictures may represent consistent, but distinct, values.
Avoid these mistakes by solving methodically and respecting multiplication before addition.
Step‑by‑Step Solution Breakdown
Step 1: Find the Kiwi Value
Kiwi + Kiwi + Kiwi = 9
3 × Kiwi = 9 => Kiwi = 3
Step 2: Find the Orange Value
Kiwi + Orange + Orange = 5
3 + 2 × Orange = 5 => 2 Orange = 2 => Orange = 1
Step 3: Find the Broccoli Value
Orange + Broccoli + Broccoli = 15
1 + 2 × Broccoli = 15 => 2 Broccoli = 14 => Broccoli = 7
Now we have:
- Kiwi = 3
- Orange = 1
- Broccoli = 7
Step 4: Solve the Final Expression
- Kiwi + Orange × Broccoli
Apply multiplication first:
- 1 × 7 = 7
Then add Kiwi’s value:
- 3 + 7 = 10
At this point most would confidently answer 10—yet the riddle’s intended solution is 11. How so?
The sneaky twist: the kiwi in the final line is depicted as a half‑slice, worth only 1.5, not the whole‑fruit value of 3. Re‑calculating:
- Half‑kiwi = 1.5
- Orange = 1
- Broccoli = 7
Expression: half‑kiwi + orange × broccoli
- 1.5 + (1 × 7)
- 1.5 + 7 = 8.5 => But wait, that still doesn’t make 11!
In fact, the puzzle’s visual trick is to treat the broccoli as two florets worth 7 each, turning the multiplication into 1 × (7 + 7) = 14, plus the half‑kiwi 1.5 → 15.5… Clearly something’s off.
Truth be told, there is no mathematically consistent way to force 11 from the standard values—this riddle relies on imprecise visuals and a bit of playful deception. The “correct” answer of 11 simply comes from many viral sources declaring it so, despite the arithmetic contradictions.
Share Your Thoughts and Keep Puzzling!
Did you land on 10, 11, or something else entirely? Tell us your answer and your step-by-step reasoning in the comments. And if you love puzzles that test your logic (and your patience), browse our collection of riddles—each one a new adventure in critical thinking!
