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Word Problems for 2nd Graders

17 free PDFsUS Letter or A4Answer key includedNo login

One- and two-step addition and subtraction word problems within 100, with compare, missing number and length problems. Keys show a bar model for every story.

Download the word problems for 2nd graders worksheets

One-step word problems

Addition, subtraction, add or subtract, missing number and compare stories within 100.

Two-step word problems

Stories with two steps: add then take away, take away twice, and compare then find the total.

Length word problems

Add and subtract lengths in inches, feet, centimeters and meters.

  • Preview of the printable “Length word Problems, sheet A” worksheet: adding and subtracting lengths within 100 in word problems, with a drawing and an equationView all 2 pages

    Length word Problems, sheet A

    Adding and subtracting lengths within 100 in word problems, with a drawing and an equation

    Answer key on page 2

    US LetterPDFA4PDF

    2 pages41 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Length word Problems, sheet B” worksheet: adding and subtracting lengths within 100 in word problems, with a drawing and an equationView all 2 pages

    Length word Problems, sheet B

    Adding and subtracting lengths within 100 in word problems, with a drawing and an equation

    Answer key on page 2

    US LetterPDFA4PDF

    2 pages41 KB

Print at 100% (actual size) for the cleanest tracing lines.

About these word problems for 2nd graders worksheets

Second graders solve word problems with numbers up to 100, and some problems take two steps. These worksheets cover every kind of story: adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart and comparing, with the unknown at the start, in the middle or at the end.

Each problem has a box to show thinking, a line for the number sentence and an answer box with the unit. The answer keys draw a bar model (tape diagram) for every story, write the number sentence with the unknown in a box, and give the answer, so you can show your child one clear way to think about it.

Most pages come as Sheet A, B and C with new stories. Every page prints in black and white on US Letter or A4, with the key on page 2.

Standards

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.OA.A.1Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one- and two-step word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.B.5Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems involving lengths that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as drawings of rulers) and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.OA.C.4Use addition to find the total number of objects arranged in rectangular arrays with up to 5 rows and up to 5 columns; write an equation to express the total as a sum of equal addends.

How to use them

  1. Read each story aloud together at first. Ask: what do we know, and what do we need to find?
  2. Draw a bar for each amount, or use the key's bar model as an example on the board.
  3. Start with addition and subtraction pages, then mix them with Add or Subtract.
  4. Use the missing number and compare pages to show that the unknown can be anywhere.
  5. Move to two-step problems when one-step stories are easy. Solve step 1, then use that answer in step 2.

Teaching tips

  • Do not hunt for key words. 'More' can mean add or subtract. Picture the story instead.
  • Write the number sentence with a box for the unknown: 34 + □ = 61.
  • Check that the answer makes sense in the story: can she have 95 stickers left if she started with 60?
  • For two-step problems, write two number sentences, one for each step.
  • Always write the unit: 26 stickers, 14 inches.

Questions teachers and parents ask

What word problems should a 2nd grader solve?

Second graders solve one- and two-step addition and subtraction word problems within 100, including compare problems and problems where the start or the change is unknown.

What is a bar model?

A bar model (or tape diagram) draws each amount as a bar. Parts sit side by side under the whole, and compare stories use two bars of different lengths. It helps children see whether to add or subtract.

How do I help with two-step word problems?

Have your child find the first answer and write it down, then read the question again and use that answer for the second step. The keys show both number sentences.

Are there answer keys?

Yes. Every page has an answer key on page 2 with a bar model, the number sentence and the answer.