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Re:A “simple” 3rd grade problem by DanBC on Saturday May 04, 2013 @12:58PM (#5655450)
...because 'trick' questions are (at least, were) part of math. The justification is to make sure people read, and understand, the question.
Re:A “simple” 3rd grade problem by mratzloff on Saturday May 04, 2013 @03:38PM (#5656065)
It's not a trick question, just a bad one. It doesn't include enough information to give an informed answer. Telepathy is required to suss out the author's intention.

In the real world, you can ask more questions and get a more complete picture. On an exam, generally you must accept what you are given.