Staring down a seemingly simple arithmetic challenge like “Five times eight (5)” in your crossword grid can often be more perplexing than a cleverly cryptic pun. This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how even the most basic mathematical operations can become a momentary stumbling block for seasoned solvers and newcomers alike. It’s a classic example of a direct arithmetic prompt, yet its very straightforwardness can lead us to overthink.
The key to unlocking this and many other numerical
crossword clues
lies in understanding the critical piece of information provided in parentheses: the (5). This number is your ultimate guiding star, indicating that the solution to this
crossword clue
is precisely five letters long. For ‘Five times eight’, it means you’re looking for the word form of the product, spelled out to fit that exact character count. This constraint is vital because, while the calculation itself is elementary, translating that numeric value into its written equivalent, matching a specific length, is where the crossword challenge truly lies.
Many
crossword puzzles
feature these arithmetic challenges, from simple addition and subtraction to multiplication, and sometimes even division. ‘Six plus three (4)’ leading to a common four-letter word, or ‘Ten minus two (5)’ pointing to another familiar five-letter answer, are common variants. They test not just your basic math skills but also your ability to correctly spell out numbers and ensure that spelling perfectly aligns with the given letter count. For ‘Five times eight (5)‘, the process is no different: perform the multiplication, then consider the word that represents that result.
What makes a
crossword clue
like ‘Five times eight (5)‘ sometimes pause even the quickest thinkers? Often, it’s the expectation of a trick. We’re so conditioned by
crossword clues
that hide meanings or play on words that when a clue is purely literal, we might search for an elaborate hidden layer that simply isn’t there. But with numerical clues of this type, the direct approach is almost always the correct one. The only “trick” is ensuring your spelling of the numerical outcome fits the exact letter count demanded by the puzzle.
When you encounter this specific
crossword clue
, or any similar arithmetic one, follow a simple, two-step process. First, complete the mathematical operation. What is the product of five and eight? Once you have that numerical value, mentally (or even physically, if you prefer to jot things down) spell out that number. The final, and perhaps most crucial, step for any
crossword solver
is to count the letters in your spelled-out answer. Does it come out to exactly five letters? If it does, you’ve likely found the perfect fit for this
crossword clue
.
This type of direct arithmetic
crossword clue
serves as an excellent foundational challenge. It reinforces the importance of paying close attention to the letter count, a principle that applies across all categories of
crossword clues
, from easy to expert. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest path is the right one, provided you verify every detail against the puzzle’s requirements. So, the next time ‘Five times eight (5)‘ appears in your grid, approach it with confidence, trust your basic math, and let that crucial five-letter count be your ultimate confirmation.
Available Answers:
FORTY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Thursday, 13 November 2025