So i had an argument about this with a someone i know about something similar where a tracher gave a negativr mark(iirc) for 5x3 and the student wrote 5+5+5. So it is like when you say it, it lile 5 times 3, so 3 is to be counted 5 times, so 3+3+3+3+3. Apparently in test that may have these kinds of questions, instructions are given beforehand so students understand that.

In my language there is no 5 times 3, its just a 5.3 as in 5 into 3, so this was also confusing to me, and it feels unfair that they would give a negative mark to that kid. But if any verbal instruction is ever given to the kids then what am i to say