Riddles have a funny way of humbling even the sharpest minds. They appear simple on the surface but often contain a hidden twist that turns logic on its head. And today’s riddle? It’s the perfect example.
Let’s test your brain with this deceptively tricky question:
You have 80 apples. You divide them by half and add another 30 apples. How many apples do you have now?
Seems easy enough, right? Most people rush to do the math—but surprisingly, the majority get it wrong. So, what’s the catch?
The Most Common (Wrong) Answer
Here’s what most folks immediately calculate:
- 80 divided by 2 equals 40
- Add 30 more apples
- Final total? 70 apples
Makes sense, doesn’t it? Not quite.
Right at the end of the riddle, there’s a clue: “It’s NOT 70!” That’s your hint that something’s off with that logic. So, let’s take a closer look.
Video: How many apples do you have?
The Sneaky Phrase That Tricks Your Brain
The key to solving this riddle is hidden in a simple phrase: “divide them by half.”
Our brains often misinterpret that line. We read “divide by half” and instantly assume it means cutting the number in two. That’s what we’re used to in casual conversation. But mathematically, dividing by ½ doesn’t reduce the number—it increases it.
Here’s the breakdown:
- “Divide by half” means:
80 ÷ ½ → which is the same as 80 × 2 = 160
Now add the extra 30 apples:
- 160 + 30 = 190 apples
So, the correct answer? 190 apples.
Why So Many People Get It Wrong
This riddle isn’t just a math problem. It’s a lesson in how language messes with our logic. The phrase “divide by half” sounds like we’re shrinking the number, but in reality, it doubles it.
Our brains are wired to associate “divide” with smaller. We hear “half” and picture something getting split. But in this case, the word “by” changes everything. Divide by half = multiply by 2.
That’s the real genius of this riddle—it uses everyday language to lure us into a mental trap.
A Closer Look at the Math Behind It
Let’s break it down step by step to really understand how it works:
- Step 1: 80 ÷ ½ = 160
(Because dividing by ½ is the same as multiplying by 2) - Step 2: 160 + 30 = 190
This might sound like a technical trick, but it’s actually grounded in basic math. When you divide something by a fraction, the number gets larger. It’s like asking, “How many halves fit into 80?” The answer? 160.
How This Riddle Sharpens Critical Thinking
This isn’t just a fun puzzle. It’s a mental workout. Riddles like this one train your brain to pause, question assumptions, and double-check what things really mean.
Think about it:
- You assumed it was a basic calculation
- You rushed to solve it based on instinct
- You missed a tiny phrase that flipped everything upside down
That’s how powerful language is. And that’s why riddles are so addictive.
What You Can Learn from This Puzzle
This brain teaser teaches a few essential problem-solving lessons:
- Don’t rush to answer. The first solution isn’t always the right one.
- Read carefully. One small word can change the entire meaning of a sentence.
- Think beyond instinct. Riddles often reward analytical thinking over quick guesses.
And hey—if you got it wrong the first time, no judgment. That just means you’re learning to think in new ways.
Why We Love Riddles That Mess With Our Minds
Video: The Apple Riddle That Tricks Everyone! 🍏
There’s a reason brain teasers like this go viral. They make us pause. They challenge our assumptions. And let’s face it, we love proving we’re smarter than the average person—even if it takes a few tries.
Plus, once you’ve figured it out, it’s impossible to forget. You’ll never read “divide by half” the same way again.
Conclusion: So, Did You Get It Right?
If you landed on 190 apples, give yourself a high five. You looked past the trap and solved the riddle like a champ. If not, no worries—now you’re armed with a new way of thinking, and that’s worth even more.
So here’s your next challenge: share this riddle with someone else and see if they fall into the same trap. Watching their reaction? Even better than solving it yourself.
