Common Core: 2nd Grade Math

This subject covers foundational math concepts for 2nd graders, including addition, subtraction, and basic problem-solving skills.

Advanced Topics

Solving Word Problems

Turning Stories into Math

Word problems are stories that need math to solve them. You'll learn to read carefully, figure out what is being asked, and choose the right operation (addition or subtraction).

Steps to Solve

  1. Read the story twice.
  2. Underline the important numbers and words.
  3. Decide if you need to add or subtract.
  4. Solve the problem and check your answer.

Key Words to Watch

Words like "together," "total," or "in all" usually mean you should add. Words like "left," "after," or "difference" usually mean you should subtract.

Why Word Problems Matter

Word problems are like puzzles. They help you use math in real-life situations, like shopping, cooking, and sharing.

Examples

  • Sam has 12 marbles. He gets 7 more. How many marbles does he have now? (12 + 7 = 19)

  • Mia baked 20 cookies. She ate 5. How many are left? (20 - 5 = 15)

In a Nutshell

Word problems turn real-life stories into math questions you can solve.

Key Terms

Word Problem
A math question written as a story.
Operation
A math action like addition or subtraction.