2.OA.1: Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

I can use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one-step and two-step word problems.

What Your Child Needs to Know

This standard focuses on helping your child solve real-world problems using addition and subtraction with numbers up to 100. Students will learn to understand the problem, identify whether to add or subtract, and solve both one-step and two-step word problems.

This standard builds on previous addition and subtraction skills and prepares your child for more complex multi-step problems in later grades. Mastering word problems helps your child apply math to everyday situations and develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Real World Practice

Visual models and hands-on activities

Visual Models

1. Number Line

Draw a number line from 0-100. For addition, start at the first number and jump forward. For subtraction, start at the larger number and jump backward.

2. Part-Part-Whole Model

Draw a circle at the top (whole) connected to two circles below (parts). Fill in the known parts and solve for the unknown.

3. Bar Model

Draw rectangles to represent quantities in the problem. This helps visualize which operation to use and how the quantities relate to each other.

4. Hundred Chart

Use a hundred chart to show addition and subtraction within 100. This helps students visualize number relationships and patterns.

Everyday Activities

1. Shopping Math

While shopping, ask: "If this toy costs $24 and this game costs $18, how much do they cost together?" or "If you have $50, how much change will you get?"

2. Recipe Math

When cooking, ask your child to help with measurements: "If we need 25 minutes to bake cookies and 15 minutes to cool them, how long will it take in total?"

3. Game Score Math

During board games or sports, ask addition/subtraction questions about scores: "If you scored 28 points in the first game and 35 in the second, how many points did you score altogether?"

4. Word Problem Journal

Create a journal where your child writes and solves one word problem each day based on real-life situations.

Quick Checks

Strategies and quick activities

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Draw It Out

Have your child draw a simple picture or diagram for each word problem. This makes abstract concepts concrete.

2. Circle Key Words

Circle words that signal which operation to use (altogether = add, left = subtract).

3. Break Down Two-Step Problems

For two-step problems, help your child identify each step separately. Solve one step at a time and record the answer before moving to the next step.

4. Act It Out

Use objects or role-play to physically act out the problem scenario.

5. Restate the Problem

Have your child restate the problem in their own words to ensure understanding before solving.

5-Minute Practice Activities

Activity 1: Story Problems

Create simple word problems using your child's interests:
"You have 45 stickers in your collection. You get 27 more for your birthday. How many stickers do you have now?"

Activity 2: Two-Step Problems

Create simple two-step problems:
"You have 35 marbles. You win 12 more, then give 8 to your friend. How many marbles do you have now?"

Activity 3: Comparison Problems

Practice "how many more/less" problems:
"You have 63 baseball cards. Your brother has 47. How many more cards do you have?"

Activity 4: Word Problem Cards

Write simple word problems on index cards. Pull one each day for quick practice.

Check Progress

Track improvement

By the middle of the year, your child should:

  • Solve one-step addition and subtraction word problems within 50
  • Identify key words that signal addition or subtraction
  • Use visual models to represent and solve problems
  • Begin to understand simple comparison problems

By the end of the year, your child should:

  • Solve one-step and two-step word problems within 100
  • Determine the operation needed without relying solely on key words
  • Solve comparison problems ("how many more/less")
  • Explain their problem-solving process

Mastery Signs

Your child understands this concept when they can:

  • Identify whether to add or subtract based on the problem
  • Solve one-step word problems within 100 consistently
  • Break down and solve two-step problems
  • Explain their reasoning
  • Create their own word problems
  • Use different strategies to solve problems

Differentiation

Support for all learning levels

Below Grade Level

Practice problems focusing on simple one-step addition and subtraction word problems with numbers within 50.

Download Practice Worksheet

At Grade Level

Standard practice with one- and two-step addition and subtraction word problems within 100.

Download Grade Level Worksheet

Above Grade Level

Advanced problems involving multi-step word problems, larger numbers, and more complex scenarios.

Download Challenge Worksheet