Basic Elementary Math Problems with Solutions

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.