Word problems can be confusing. Period. They can be set in an unfamiliar context. They can include superfluous information. They can contain ambiguous language. They can be written to trick or confuse. They can be overly complex. Here’s an example that meets a few of these criteria:
The pet store sells crickets for lizards. They charge $3.65 per two-dozen crickets, but right now they are offering a 15% discount on any purchase over $40. What will be the total cost for 276 crickets if there is a 6% sales tax?
