If you take 3 apples from a basket of 5 apples, how many apples do you have?

When you take 3 apples from a basket containing 5 apples, the question is focused on the number of apples you physically possess after taking them. Since you have indeed taken 3 apples, that means you are now holding those 3 apples. Therefore, you have 3 apples in your possession.

The context of the situation does not change the fact that once you take the apples from the basket, they belong to you. The remaining apples in the basket or any irrelevant details about the total number do not affect your personal count of apples. This straightforward interpretation emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is asked rather than overthinking the scenario.