2nd Grade Word Problems and Answers

How to Create Word Problems for 2nd Graders

Word problems are a great way for teachers to integrate reading and math instruction. Typically, they include one or two 2nd grade word problems on each worksheet or homework assignment. However, additional practice at home will give your child the chance to further develop his or her comprehension skills under your supervision. You may use the following examples or create your own, but remember that your word problems should use 2nd grade math skills and simple wording. You may also ask your child to show his or her work for each problem.

Five Word Problems with Answers and Equations

Cookie Jar

Ron's mom baked cookies for him and his sister. She made six chocolate chip cookies, two sugar cookies and one peanut butter cookie. How many cookies did Ron's mom make total? If Ron ate two of the cookies, how many would be left?

Answer

She baked nine cookies. To calculate the total number of cookies made, add up all the cookies, using this equation: 6 + 2 + 1 = 9. To answer the second question, subtract the amount of cookies Ron ate from the total, like this: 9 - 2 = 7, so there were seven left after Ron ate two of them.

Red Shirt, Blue Shirt

Jon has a messy room. He has two red t-shirts lying on the floor, one green t-shirt on top of his dresser and three blue t-shirts hanging in the closet. How many t-shirts does Jon have all together?

Answer

Jon has six t-shirts. To solve, add all the numbers together: 2 + 1 + 3 = 6.

Time for School

Katie's alarm clock didn't go off, and she's running late! If Katie wakes up at 8:00 and it takes her 20 minutes to get dressed, eat breakfast and brush her teeth, what time is she ready for school?

Answer

Katie is ready for school at 8:20. Your child can create an equation to solve this problem. Because Katie woke up at exactly 8:00, all your child has to do is add 20 minutes to the time: 8:00 + 0:20 = 8:20.

That Will Cost You

Sam and Julie are brother and sister. They decide to get ice cream while their mom shops for groceries. Sam gets one scoop of chocolate ice cream for 25 cents, while Julie gets two scoops of vanilla for 50 cents. If they give the worker a one dollar bill, what coin will they get back?

Answer

They will get back a quarter. To solve, your child could either use real coins or use equations. The first step is to find out how much the ice cream cost total by adding tother the prices: 0.25 + 0.50 = 0.75. Then, find out how much change they will get back by subtracting the total (0.75) from the amount they handed the worker: 1.00 - 0.75 = 0.25.

Dress Up

Abby's mom gave her a necklace and five bracelets for her birthday. Abby then gives her friend Liz two of her bracelets. How many pieces of jewelry does Abby have left?

Answer

Abby has four pieces of jewelry left. Begin by calculating how many pieces of jewelry Abby had total: 1 + 5 = 6. Then, subtract two to find out how many pieces Abby has left: 6 - 2 = 4.