Saxon Math Grade 2, Section 2: Two-Digit Addition & Subtraction
In this unit, your child adds and subtracts two-digit numbers. They line up tens and ones, regroup when needed, and practice each step until it feels steady. They explain why regrouping works and solve story problems with two-digit numbers. Next, these skills get used with money, time, and measurement.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 2?
- Solving one- and two-step story problems with two-digit numbers and writing a number sentence for each. Learn more: One- and two-step story problems within 100
- Adding and subtracting two-digit numbers on paper, regrouping a ten in either direction when needed. Learn more about adding within 100: Adding within 100 · Learn more about subtracting within 100
- Explaining why regrouping works by showing the tens and ones with bundles or drawings. Learn more about explaining why addition strategies work: Explaining why addition strategies work · Learn more about explaining why subtraction strategies work
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
- Add two prices under a dollar at the store, like 48¢ and 37¢, and ask your child to explain the regrouping.
- Ask how many days are left in a 31-day month after the 14th, and let your child show the subtraction.
- Tell a two-step story at bedtime, like "45 stickers, gave away 20, then got 12 more," and ask how many there are now.
Where kids can get stuck
- Forgetting the regrouped ten when adding, so 48 + 37 comes out as 75.
- Taking the small digit from the big one, so 31 − 14 becomes 23.
- Saying "carry the one" without knowing the one stands for a ten.
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
- regroup
- Trading 10 ones for 1 ten, or 1 ten for 10 ones, to add or subtract.
- tens
- Groups of 10. In 47, the 4 means 4 tens, or 40.
- ones
- Single units. In 47, the 7 means 7 ones.
- sum
- The answer when you add numbers together.
- difference
- The answer when you subtract; it also tells how much more one amount is.
- number sentence
- Numbers and symbols that show a math idea, like 8 + 7 = 15.
- story problem
- A math problem told as a short story.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with two-digit regrouping?
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 Saxon Math Grade 2 Section 2 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 2 Section 2 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.