Everyday Mathematics Grade 2, Unit 6: Whole Number Operations
In this unit, your child puts addition and subtraction to work on larger numbers. They subtract two- and three-digit numbers, choose a strategy that fits, and solve two-step story problems. It builds on the three-digit addition from the last unit and leads into number patterns, odd and even numbers, and adding or subtracting 10 and 100 in their heads.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 6?
- Solving two-step story problems within 100, finding the in-between amount first, then using it to answer the question. Learn more: One- and two-step story problems within 100
- Subtracting within 100, like 82 - 56, by counting up, breaking numbers into tens and ones, or regrouping. Learn more about adding within 100: Adding within 100 · Learn more about subtracting within 100
- Subtracting three-digit numbers, like 402 - 175, by trading a hundred for tens and a ten for ones when needed. Learn more about adding within 1,000: Adding within 1,000 · Learn more about subtracting within 1,000
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 a two-step story on a walk: 'We had 50 crackers, ate 12, then opened a box of 20 more. How many now?' Ask what they need to find first.
- Find how many pages are left in a book, such as being on page 56 of an 82-page book. Count up together: 56 to 60 is 4, 60 to 80 is 20, and 80 to 82 is 2.
- Compare the page counts of two long books, like 402 and 175, and ask how many more pages the longer one has. Let your child explain how they traded a hundred.
Where kids can get stuck
- Subtracting the smaller digit from the larger in each place, so 82 - 56 becomes 34 instead of 26.
- Stopping after the first step of a two-step problem and giving the in-between amount as the answer.
- Getting stuck regrouping across a zero, as in 402 - 175, where a hundred must become tens first.
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
- difference
- The answer when you subtract. In 13 - 5 = 8, the difference is 8.
- regroup
- To trade 10 ones for 1 ten, or 10 tens for 1 hundred, and back again.
- two-step problem
- A story problem that needs two math steps to solve.
- strategy
- A plan or way to solve a problem.
- count up
- Subtracting by counting from the smaller number up to the bigger one.
- decompose
- To break a number into parts, like 82 = 80 + 2, or 1 hundred into 10 tens.
Want to help your child master subtracting bigger numbers?
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 Everyday Mathematics Grade 2 Unit 6 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 2 Unit 6 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
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.