Basic Elementary Math Problems with Solutions

In early elementary school, students learn to add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers. Read on for tips and sample problems to help your child, where he's just beginning to add or learning the basics of multiplication.

Find available tutors

How to Help Your Child Solve Basic Elementary Math Problems

One of the most effective ways you can help your child with elementary math is to identify areas where he or she struggles and offer additional practice in those areas. You might begin by checking your child's addition and subtraction skills. In your child is in first grade, he or she should be able to add numbers up to 100. If he or she is a second-grader, your child should be able to add and subtract using more complicated, multi-digit numbers.

In third grade, most elementary students must memorize their multiplication facts. Repetition and consistency will help your child remember these facts. You can establish a practice schedule, and then go over the facts for a few minutes each night.

You also might find that having your child explain math concepts to you in his own words can help your child internalize the information. After he has explained a concept to you, completing a few problems together could help further his understanding.

Problems with Solutions by Grade Level

First

1. 16 + 7

If your child struggles with addition problems, you might allow him or her to use visuals, such as counters or a number line. The answer to this problem is 23.

2. 11 - 5

If your child is just beginning to study subtraction, you might want to use smaller numbers, as in the problem above. The answer is six.

3. At a dog park, there are seven dogs playing fetch. Two more dogs arrive. How many dogs are there in all?

Basic addition problems like this one can be solved by counting. Have your child count out the initial number. Then, have him add two more, and count the total again. There are nine dogs.

Second

1. 171 + 201

Second graders may add problems within 1,000. The answer here is 372.

2. 524 - 318

To solve, your child will have to borrow from the tens column since he can't subtract 4 - 8. The answer is 214.

3. There are 178 guests at a party before 59 more guests arrive. How many guests are there in all?

There are 237 guests.

Third

1. 4 x 5

Basic multiplication is introduced in third grade. The answer to this problem is 20.

2. 35 ÷ 7

The answer to this problem is five. With division problems, remind your child that he can check his answer by using multiplication: 7 x 5 = 35.

3. Julianne wants to give five cookies to eight of her friends. How many cookies should she bake?

Julianne should bake 40 cookies because 5 x 8 = 40.
Did you find this useful? If so, please let others know!

Other Articles You May Be Interested In

  • More Blog Articles
    Elementary Math: Learning the Order of Operations

    Before you can advance to more complex levels of math (like algebra) you have to master the order of operations. Read on to learn the simple steps involved in completing ordered operations math problems. This article provides tips for working your way through math problems with several steps.

  • More Blog Articles
    10 Top Math Apps for Elementary School Children

    Is your child struggling with math in elementary school? You may be able to get him or her excited about learning math by using an educational app on your iPad, iPhone, Android or other mobile device. Here are ten apps for elementary school children that may hold the key to math success.

We Found 7 Tutors You Might Be Interested In

Huntington Learning

  • What Huntington Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • One on one tutoring
  • Every Huntington tutor is certified and trained extensively on the most effective teaching methods
In-Center and Online

K12

  • What K12 offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Has a strong and effective partnership with public and private schools
  • AdvancED-accredited corporation meeting the highest standards of educational management
Online Only

Kaplan Kids

  • What Kaplan Kids offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Customized learning plans
  • Real-Time Progress Reports track your child's progress
Online Only

Kumon

  • What Kumon offers:
  • In-center tutoring
  • Individualized programs for your child
  • Helps your child develop the skills and study habits needed to improve their academic performance
In-Center and Online

Sylvan Learning

  • What Sylvan Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • Sylvan tutors are certified teachers who provide personalized instruction
  • Regular assessment and progress reports
In-Home, In-Center and Online

Tutor Doctor

  • What Tutor Doctor offers:
  • In-Home tutoring
  • One on one attention by the tutor
  • Develops personlized programs by working with your child's existing homework
In-Home Only

TutorVista

  • What TutorVista offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Student works one-on-one with a professional tutor
  • Using the virtual whiteboard workspace to share problems, solutions and explanations
Online Only

Our Commitment to You

  • Free Help from Teachers

  • Free Learning Materials

  • Helping Disadvantaged Youth