Grade 5Reading: grades 3-4MultiplicationRoundingSkip countingMulti-step word problemsDivision
The Golden Banana Caper
A rogue explorer has snatched the legendary Golden Banana from the Temple of Kukubaba! The temple doors are locking fast. We must track down the thief before they escape the Whispering Jungle.
Suspects
Possible suspects
Cross off a row as each clue rules it out. On screen, tap a row.
21 of 21 still in play
| Name | primary gear | escape tool | footprint direction | headwear | fear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diego Marquez | climbing rope | glider wing | right boot first | brown fedora | scared of spiders |
| Toby Ranger | torch | mini raft | right boot first | red bandana | scared of spiders |
| Leo Wilder | machete | smoke bomb | right boot first | pith helmet | scared of snakes |
| Indy Jones | torch | mini raft | left boot first | brown fedora | scared of snakes |
| Dora Explorer | climbing rope | pocket compass | right boot first | brown fedora | scared of snakes |
| Eva Eagle | torch | mini raft | left boot first | red bandana | scared of bats |
| Zack Swift | climbing rope | bungee cord | right boot first | pith helmet | scared of bats |
| Lara Croft | climbing rope | bungee cord | right boot first | pith helmet | scared of spiders |
| Jack Wilder | torch | glider wing | right boot first | red bandana | scared of snakes |
| Gabe Green | climbing rope | pocket compass | right boot first | red bandana | scared of spiders |
| Zoe Vance | heavy boots | smoke bomb | right boot first | brown fedora | scared of spiders |
| Ben Gates | grappling hook | mini raft | left boot first | pith helmet | scared of bats |
| Ned Nimble | grappling hook | smoke bomb | right boot first | brown fedora | scared of spiders |
| Dan Daring | machete | pocket compass | right boot first | pith helmet | scared of bats |
| Penny Mapes | heavy boots | bungee cord | right boot first | pith helmet | scared of bats |
| Max Sterling | grappling hook | bungee cord | right boot first | red bandana | scared of bats |
| Sam Spade | torch | glider wing | right boot first | pith helmet | scared of bats |
| Amy Arrow | machete | mini raft | right boot first | pith helmet | scared of bats |
| Owen Otter | machete | mini raft | right boot first | red bandana | scared of spiders |
| Mia Stone | machete | smoke bomb | left boot first | pith helmet | scared of bats |
| Maya Trail | heavy boots | bungee cord | left boot first | pith helmet | scared of spiders |
Clue 1
Multiplication facts (1-12)
We found rows of ancient stone tiles. Each row has the same number of carvings. Let's multiply them to unlock the first clue chest.
Solve each problem to learn its letter. Then write that letter in every box that shows the same number, and read the secret clue.
T
30
9
2
T
30
9
25
2
21
60
32
2
110
66
32
T
30
8
110
2
55
90
144
25
60
2
84
15
25
66
90
5 × 6 =T
4 × 8 =O
12 × 12 =L
4 × 2 =U
3 × 5 =W
3 × 3 =H
12 × 7 =R
5 × 5 =I
9 × 10 =G
3 × 7 =F
5 × 12 =D
11 × 10 =S
11 × 5 =A
2 × 1 =E
11 × 6 =N
0/15 letters found
Clue 2
Rounding
The camp radio is very fuzzy. We can only hear rounded numbers on the dial. Round the signal to find our next direction.
Solve each problem to learn its letter. Then write that letter in every box that shows the same number, and read the secret clue.
T
90
9000
200
4300
1100
290
9000
T
90
700
430
430
T
90
70
4300
1100
50
T
90
1100
50
T
90
9000
200
1300
130
30
1100
2300
30
200
200
70
200
4300
Round 87 to the nearest tenT
Round 8,741 to the nearest thousandH
Round 288 to the nearest tenG
Round 2,349 to the nearest hundredS
Round 53 to the nearest tenN
Round 663 to the nearest hundredF
Round 31 to the nearest tenD
Round 432 to the nearest tenO
Round 4,299 to the nearest hundredR
Round 69 to the nearest tenP
Round 132 to the nearest tenU
Round 198 to the nearest hundredE
Round 1,342 to the nearest hundredM
Round 1,076 to the nearest hundredI
0/14 letters found
Clue 3
Skip counting
To cross the bubbling mud pit, we must skip count along the safe stones. Follow the pattern to reach the message on the other side.
Solve each problem to learn its letter. Then write that letter in every box that shows the same number, and read the secret clue.
T
21
42
30
T
21
42
65
30
15
26
12
130
15
26
27
24
15
16
45
T
21
T
21
30
26
65
130
120
33
45
130
120
16
30
9
12
T
21
8
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, ___, 24, 27T
Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, ___, 70, 75I
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, ___, 18, 21F
Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, ___, 35, 40E
Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, ___, 28, 30R
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, ___, 45, 48H
Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, ___, 10, 12S
Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, ___, 140, 150N
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, ___, 15, 18A
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, ___, 30, 33O
Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, ___, 26, 28M
Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, ___, 130, 140G
Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, ___, 50, 55U
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, ___, 36, 39J
Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, ___, 18, 20L
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, ___, 12, 15B
0/16 letters found
Clue 4
Multi-step word problems
Our guide is counting our supplies. We packed some torches, used a few, and then found some more. Solve the puzzle to read the notebook.
Solve each problem to learn its letter, then write the letters in the boxes to fill in the missing word.
Astrandofhairturnedupatthescene.
P
20
60
33
80
80
21
14
74
21
33
There were 228 compasses in all. 4 Explorer League used 27 compasses each. The other 6 Explorer League shared the rest equally. How many compasses did each of the other Explorer League get?P
There were 392 binoculars in all. 2 Explorer League used 36 binoculars each. The other 4 Explorer League shared the rest equally. How many binoculars did each of the other Explorer League get?H
Guide earned 4 bananas in each of 3 rounds, plus 57 bonus bananas. Then 9 bananas were lost. How many bananas are left?I
Guide earned 5 canteens in each of 4 rounds, plus 9 bonus canteens. Then 8 canteens were lost. How many canteens are left?E
Guide collected 16 canteens in the morning and 26 canteens in the afternoon, then split them equally among 3 Explorer League. How many canteens did each get?L
Guide collected 237 bananas in the morning and 133 bananas in the afternoon, then split them equally among 5 Explorer League. How many bananas did each get?M
Guide earned 4 vines in each of 2 rounds, plus 39 bonus vines. Then 14 vines were lost. How many vines are left?T
0/7 letters found
Clue 5
Division facts (1-12) — the last clue
We need to split our trail mix into equal bags for the search party. Divide the snacks evenly to open the locked temple chest.
First solve each problem. Then find each answer in the list below and cross that sentence out. One sentence will be left — that's exactly what the villain did!
Step 1 — solve these
10 ÷ 2 = ?
72 ÷ 8 = ?
60 ÷ 6 = ?
96 ÷ 8 = ?
12 ÷ 2 = ?
9 ÷ 9 = ?
2 ÷ 1 = ?
70 ÷ 10 = ?
12 ÷ 3 = ?
27 ÷ 9 = ?
64 ÷ 8 = ?
Step 2 — cross out the sentence with each answer
1.The villain crosses the shaky rope bridge, then slides down a steep muddy slope.
2.The villain clears a path through vines, then sails away down the rapids.
3.The villain climbs the temple wall, then sails away down the rapids.
4.The villain swings across the river, then slides down a steep muddy slope.
5.The villain climbs the temple wall, then slides down a steep muddy slope.
6.The villain swings across the river, then checks the magnetic north.
7.The villain sneaks past the sleepy traps, then vanishes in a puff of smoke.
8.The villain climbs the temple wall, then leaps off the cliffside.
9.The villain sneaks past the sleepy traps, then leaps off the cliffside.
10.The villain climbs the temple wall, then checks the magnetic north.
11.The villain swings across the river, then leaps off the cliffside.
12.The villain crosses the shaky rope bridge, then leaps off the cliffside.
Solve it
Name the culprit
Choose the one suspect left standing.
Answer Key — The Golden Banana Caper
Culprit: Zack Swift (climbing rope · bungee cord · right boot first · pith helmet · scared of bats)
- Clue 1 (Multiplication facts (1-12)): "THE THIEF DOES NOT USE A GLIDER WING"5 × 6 = 30 (T) · 4 × 8 = 32 (O) · 12 × 12 = 144 (L) · 4 × 2 = 8 (U) · 3 × 5 = 15 (W) · 3 × 3 = 9 (H) · 12 × 7 = 84 (R) · 5 × 5 = 25 (I) · 9 × 10 = 90 (G) · 3 × 7 = 21 (F) · 5 × 12 = 60 (D) · 11 × 10 = 110 (S) · 11 × 5 = 55 (A) · 2 × 1 = 2 (E) · 11 × 6 = 66 (N)
- Clue 2 (Rounding): "THE RIGHT FOOTPRINT IN THE MUD IS DEEPER"Round 87 to the nearest ten = 90 (T) · Round 8,741 to the nearest thousand = 9000 (H) · Round 288 to the nearest ten = 290 (G) · Round 2,349 to the nearest hundred = 2300 (S) · Round 53 to the nearest ten = 50 (N) · Round 663 to the nearest hundred = 700 (F) · Round 31 to the nearest ten = 30 (D) · Round 432 to the nearest ten = 430 (O) · Round 4,299 to the nearest hundred = 4300 (R) · Round 69 to the nearest ten = 70 (P) · Round 132 to the nearest ten = 130 (U) · Round 198 to the nearest hundred = 200 (E) · Round 1,342 to the nearest hundred = 1300 (M) · Round 1,076 to the nearest hundred = 1100 (I)
- Clue 3 (Skip counting): "THE THIEF RAN FROM FLUTTERING JUNGLE BATS"Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, ___, 24, 27 = 21 (T) · Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, ___, 70, 75 = 65 (I) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, ___, 18, 21 = 15 (F) · Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, ___, 35, 40 = 30 (E) · Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, ___, 28, 30 = 26 (R) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, ___, 45, 48 = 42 (H) · Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, ___, 10, 12 = 8 (S) · Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, ___, 140, 150 = 130 (N) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, ___, 15, 18 = 12 (A) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, ___, 30, 33 = 27 (O) · Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, ___, 26, 28 = 24 (M) · Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, ___, 130, 140 = 120 (G) · Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, ___, 50, 55 = 45 (U) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, ___, 36, 39 = 33 (J) · Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, ___, 18, 20 = 16 (L) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, ___, 12, 15 = 9 (B)
- Clue 4 (Multi-step word problems): "PITH HELMET"There were 228 compasses in all. 4 Explorer League used 27 compasses each. The other 6 Explorer League shared the rest equally. How many compasses did each of the other Explorer League get? = 20 (P) · There were 392 binoculars in all. 2 Explorer League used 36 binoculars each. The other 4 Explorer League shared the rest equally. How many binoculars did each of the other Explorer League get? = 80 (H) · Guide earned 4 bananas in each of 3 rounds, plus 57 bonus bananas. Then 9 bananas were lost. How many bananas are left? = 60 (I) · Guide earned 5 canteens in each of 4 rounds, plus 9 bonus canteens. Then 8 canteens were lost. How many canteens are left? = 21 (E) · Guide collected 16 canteens in the morning and 26 canteens in the afternoon, then split them equally among 3 Explorer League. How many canteens did each get? = 14 (L) · Guide collected 237 bananas in the morning and 133 bananas in the afternoon, then split them equally among 5 Explorer League. How many bananas did each get? = 74 (M) · Guide earned 4 vines in each of 2 rounds, plus 39 bonus vines. Then 14 vines were lost. How many vines are left? = 33 (T)
- Clue 5 (Division facts (1-12)): surviving statement (box 11) → Zack Swift10 ÷ 2 = 5 · 72 ÷ 8 = 9 · 60 ÷ 6 = 10 · 96 ÷ 8 = 12 · 12 ÷ 2 = 6 · 9 ÷ 9 = 1 · 2 ÷ 1 = 2 · 70 ÷ 10 = 7 · 12 ÷ 3 = 4 · 27 ÷ 9 = 3 · 64 ÷ 8 = 8
About this mystery
- Grade level
- Grade 5 math
- Math topics
- Multiplication, Rounding, Skip counting, Multi-step word problems, Division
- Reading level
- grades 3-4
- Theme
- The Golden Banana Caper — set in The Temple of Kukubaba
- Format
- Interactive online & printable worksheet with answer key
- Solution
- One unique, verified culprit among 21 suspects