enVision Mathematics Grade 2, Topic 7: More Solving Addition and Subtraction Problems
In this unit, your child puts adding and subtracting within 100 to work in story problems. Some have one step and some have two, and the missing number can be at the start, middle, or end. Your child draws a bar model, a simple drawing of the parts and the whole, and writes an equation. It wraps up the adding and subtracting work before time and money.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 7?
- Solving one- and two-step story problems within 100 with the unknown in any spot, using a bar model to plan each step. Learn more: One- and two-step story problems within 100
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
What is 80 minus 20?
- 50
- 60
- 70
How you can help
- Tell two-step stories at the store: "We have 50 cents. A pear is 20 cents and an apple is 15. How much is left?" Ask which step comes first.
- Turn a bus or train ride into a story: "36 people were on, 12 got off, and 9 got on. How many now?" Let your child draw it.
- Ask your child to make up a story for an equation like 45 − ☐ = 20, then solve it together and check that the answer makes sense.
Where kids can get stuck
- Stopping after the first step of a two-step problem and giving the in-between number as the answer.
- Adding whenever a story says "more," as in "Ava has 52 stamps, 17 more than Leo," where Leo has 35.
- Losing track of what each number stands for and using the wrong amount in the second step.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- bar model
- A drawing of bars that shows the parts and the whole in a story problem.
- unknown
- The missing number in a problem, often shown with a box or a question mark.
- two-step problem
- A story problem that needs two math steps to solve.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 9 + 4 = 13.
- part
- One of the amounts that together make up the whole in a story problem.
- whole
- The total amount, made of all the parts put together.
- sum
- The answer when you add numbers together.
- difference
- The answer when you subtract; it also tells how much more one amount is.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with solving word problems?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Grade 2 Topic 7 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 2 Topic 7 covers this math standard. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 2.OA.A.1: Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.