Grade 2
  1. Number Sense and Operations  1.1. Counting and Number Sequences  1.1.1. Counting up to 100  1.1.2. Counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s  1.1.3. Counting Backward from 20  1.1.4. Odd and even numbers in counting sequences  1.2. Place Value  1.2.1. Understanding ones and tens  1.2.2. Comparing Two-Digit Numbers  1.2.3. Identifying the Value of Each Digit in a Number  1.2.4. Building numbers using tens and ones  1.3. Addition and Subtraction  1.3.1. Basic addition up to 20  1.3.2. Basic subtraction up to 20  1.3.3. Addition with Regrouping  1.3.4. Subtraction with Borrowing  1.3.5. Solving word problems involving addition and subtraction  1.3.6. Addition and Subtraction with Multiples of 10  1.4. Odd and Even Numbers  1.4.1. Identifying Odd and Even Numbers  1.4.2. Understanding patterns in odd and even numbers  1.4.3. Simple operations with odd and even numbers
  2. Fractions and Decimals  2.1. Introduction to Fractions  2.1.1. Understanding halves and quarters  2.1.2. Representing fractions visually  2.1.3. Simple Fraction Comparisons  2.1.4. Writing Simple Fractions  2.1.5. Fractions as part of a whole  2.2. Fraction Equivalency  2.2.1. Understanding Equal Parts  2.2.2. Identifying Equivalent Fractions
  3. Measurement and Data  3.1. Length Measurement  3.1.1. Measuring objects using rulers  3.1.2. Comparing lengths  3.1.3. Estimating lengths  3.1.4. Understanding units of measurement (centimeters and inches)  3.1.5. Relating Length Measurements to Real-World Objects  3.2. Weight and Mass Measurement  3.2.1. Comparing Weights of Objects  3.2.2. Estimating weight in grams and kilograms  3.2.3. Using balance scales for comparison  3.3. Volume and Capacity Measurement  3.3.1. Understanding capacity with cups and liters  3.3.2. Comparing capacities of containers  3.3.3. Introduction to Milliliters  3.4. Time  3.4.1. Reading analog and digital clocks  3.4.2. Understanding hours and minutes  3.4.3. Calculating elapsed time in hours  3.4.4. Days of the week and months of the year  3.4.5. Understanding AM and PM  3.5. Money  3.5.1. Recognizing coins and bills  3.5.2. Counting money up to $1  3.5.3. Simple Addition and Subtraction with Money  3.5.4. Making Change for a Dollar
  4. Geometry and Spatial Reasoning  4.1. Shapes and Their Attributes  4.1.1. Identifying basic shapes (circle, triangle, square, rectangle)  4.1.2. Understanding sides and corners  4.1.3. Distinguishing between 2D and 3D shapes  4.1.4. Recognizing 3D Shapes (Cube, Sphere, Cone, Cylinder)  4.1.5. Composing and Decomposing Shapes  4.2. Symmetry  4.2.1. Understanding Lines of Symmetry  4.2.2. Drawing Symmetrical Shapes  4.2.3. Identifying Symmetrical Objects in the Environment  4.3. Patterns and Spatial Awareness  4.3.1. Recognizing and Creating Patterns  4.3.2. Extending Patterns  4.3.3. Understanding positions (left, right, above, below)  4.3.4. Using a grid to locate objects
  5. Data Handling and Probability  5.1. Collecting and Organizing Data  5.1.1. Using tally marks  5.1.2. Reading Bar Graphs  5.1.3. Simple Pictographs  5.1.4. Creating Bar Graphs from Given Data  5.2. Interpreting Data  5.2.1. Answering questions based on data  5.2.3. Identifying Most and Least in Data Sets  5.3. Introduction to Probability  5.3.1. Understanding likely and unlikely events

Grade 2 → Number Sense and Operations → Addition and Subtraction ↓


Solving word problems involving addition and subtraction


In grade 2 math, understanding how to solve word problems is an essential skill. Word problems present a scenario in a real-life context in which we need to use addition or subtraction to find a solution. These problems help students think critically and translate words into mathematical equations.

Let's learn how to solve these word problems using simple explanations and examples that you can practice.

Understanding word problems

A word problem is a short story or context that involves numbers and asks a question that can be solved using math. The key to solving word problems is to understand the question and determine whether it involves addition or subtraction.

When reading a word problem, it's important to identify keywords that may suggest which operation to use:

  • Addition keywords: sum, total, all in, combined, together, more, increase.
  • Subtraction keywords: difference, leftover, less, take away, subtract, lose.

Steps to solve word problems

  1. Read the question carefully and understand what is being asked.
  2. Recognize the numbers and keywords that indicate which mathematical operation to use.
  3. Write an equation using the numbers and operation (addition or subtraction) identified.
  4. Solve the equation to know the answer to the question.
  5. Check your work to make sure the solution makes sense in the context of the problem.

Addition word problems

Let's look at some examples of addition word problems and learn how to solve them.

Example 1:

Tom has 5 red apples and 3 green apples. How many apples does he have in total?

Tom has 5 red apples.
Tom has 3 green apples.
How many apples does Tom have in total?

Equation: 5 + 3
Solution: 8
Tom has a total of 8 apples.

Example 2:

Sara has 12 books and her friend gave her 4 more books. How many books does Sara have now?

Sara had 12 books.
Sara's friend gave her 4 books.
How many books does Sarah have now?

Equation: 12 + 4
Solution: 16
Sarah now has 16 books.

Visual example:

Each square represents 1 apple. Total = 5

Subtraction word problems

Subtraction word problems involve determining what is left after removing certain items. Let's practice with these problems.

Example 1:

There are 10 birds on a tree. 4 birds fly away. How many birds are left on the tree?

There are 10 birds there.
4 The birds flew away.
How many birds are left?

Equation: 10 - 4
Solution: 6
There are 6 birds left on the tree.

Example 2:

Liam had 15 marbles and lost 7. How many marbles does Liam have now?

Liam had 15 marbles.
Liam lost 7 marbles.
How many marbles does Liam have now?

Equation: 15 - 7
Solution: 8
Liam now has 8 marbles.

Visual example:

Each circle represents 1 bird. Remaining birds = 6

Combination of both operations

Sometimes, you may need to use both addition and subtraction to find the solution to a word problem. These are two-step problems. Let's look at an example.

Example:

Jenny has 20 candies. She buys 10 more candies from the store, but then she gives 5 candies to her friend. How many candies does Jenny have now?

Jenny had 20 candies.
Jenny buys 10 more candies.
Jenny gives 5 candies.
How many candies does Jenny have now?

Step 1 (Addition): 20 + 10 = 30
Step 2 (Subtraction): 30 – 5 = 25
Solution: Jenny now has 25 candies.

Visual example:

Each square represents 5 candies. Total number of Jenny = 25

Practice problems

Try solving these practice problems to improve your skills in addition and subtraction word problems.

  • Lucas had 25 stickers. He got 15 more stickers from his sister. Later, he gave 10 stickers to his friend. How many stickers does Lucas have now?
  • A farmer had 50 apples. He sold 30 apples in the market. How many apples did the farmer have left?
  • Emily collected 40 shells. She found 20 more shells on the beach. Then she lost 5 shells on her way back home. How many shells does Emily have now?

Conclusion

Solving word problems involving addition and subtraction is a vital skill for building numerical understanding and mathematical operations. With practice, students can become more confident and efficient at translating real-world scenarios into mathematical equations and finding solutions. Keep practicing and applying the strategies learned, and you will get better!


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Addition and Subtraction with Multiples of 10

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Solving word problems involving addition and subtraction

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