Addition Word Problems (Grade 2)
Word problems are maths questions written as short stories. You need to read the story carefully, find the numbers, decide if you should add, and then solve.
In Class 2, addition word problems use 2-digit numbers. Clue words like "in all," "total," "altogether," "how many," and "more" tell you to add.
What is Addition Word Problems (Grade 2) - Class 2 Maths (Addition (Grade 2))?
An addition word problem is a real-life situation where you combine two or more amounts to find the total.
Steps to solve:
- Read the problem carefully.
- Find the numbers.
- Look for clue words (total, altogether, in all, more, combined).
- Write the addition sentence.
- Solve and write the answer in a complete sentence.
Solved Examples
Example 1: Example 1: Mangoes in a basket
Question: Ria has 34 mangoes. Her mother gives her 28 more mangoes. How many mangoes does Ria have in all?
Think:
- Ria has 34 mangoes
- She gets 28 more → we ADD
- 34 + 28: Ones: 4 + 8 = 12 → write 2, carry 1. Tens: 3 + 2 + 1 = 6
Answer: Ria has 62 mangoes in all.
Example 2: Example 2: Books in a library
Question: A school library has 45 English books and 32 Hindi books. How many books are there altogether?
Think:
- English books = 45
- Hindi books = 32
- "Altogether" means ADD
- 45 + 32 = 77
Answer: The library has 77 books altogether.
Example 3: Example 3: Auto-rickshaw ride
Question: Aman paid ₹26 for an auto-rickshaw ride to school and ₹26 for the ride back home. How much did he pay in total?
Think:
- Ride to school = ₹26
- Ride back = ₹26
- "Total" means ADD
- 26 + 26: Ones: 6 + 6 = 12 → write 2, carry 1. Tens: 2 + 2 + 1 = 5
Answer: Aman paid ₹52 in total.
Example 4: Example 4: Students in class
Question: There are 19 boys and 23 girls in a class. How many students are there?
Think:
- Boys = 19, Girls = 23
- 19 + 23: Ones: 9 + 3 = 12 → write 2, carry 1. Tens: 1 + 2 + 1 = 4
Answer: There are 42 students in the class.
Example 5: Example 5: Planting trees
Question: Aditi planted 15 neem trees and 37 mango trees. How many trees did she plant in all?
Think:
- Neem = 15, Mango = 37
- 15 + 37: Ones: 5 + 7 = 12 → write 2, carry 1. Tens: 1 + 3 + 1 = 5
Answer: Aditi planted 52 trees in all.
Example 6: Example 6: Cricket match
Question: Dev scored 38 runs and Arjun scored 45 runs. What is their combined score?
Think:
- Dev = 38, Arjun = 45
- 38 + 45: Ones: 8 + 5 = 13 → write 3, carry 1. Tens: 3 + 4 + 1 = 8
Answer: Their combined score is 83 runs.
Example 7: Example 7: Neha’s beads
Question: Neha made a necklace using 29 red beads and 18 blue beads. She then added 13 white beads. How many beads in all?
Think:
- 29 + 18 = 47
- 47 + 13 = 60
Answer: Neha used 60 beads in all.
Key Points to Remember
- Clue words for addition: in all, total, altogether, combined, more, how many.
- Always read the problem twice before solving.
- Write the number sentence (e.g., 34 + 28 = ?) before solving.
- Write the answer in a complete sentence with the correct unit (mangoes, rupees, books).
- Check your answer by re-reading the problem.
Practice Problems
- Meera has 46 stickers. Her friend gives her 27 more. How many stickers does she have now?
- A school bus has 35 students. At the next stop, 18 more students get on. How many students are on the bus?
- Priya read 24 pages on Saturday and 39 pages on Sunday. How many pages did she read in all?
- Kavi has ₹58. His grandfather gives him ₹35. How much money does Kavi have now?
- There are 43 red balloons and 29 blue balloons at a party. How many balloons are there altogether?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I know a word problem needs addition?
Look for clue words like "in all," "total," "altogether," "how many," "combined," or "more." These words usually mean you need to add.
Q2. What if the problem has three numbers?
Add two numbers first, then add the third to the result. Example: 12 + 15 + 8 = (12 + 15) + 8 = 27 + 8 = 35.
Q3. Should I always write the answer in a sentence?
Yes. Your answer should include the number and what it represents. Instead of just "62," write "Ria has 62 mangoes in all."
Q4. What if I am confused between addition and subtraction?
If the problem asks for a total or combined amount, use addition. If it asks how many are left or what is the difference, use subtraction.
Q5. Can word problems have carrying?
Yes. Many real-life problems result in carrying. Just follow the same column addition method.
Q6. How can I practice word problems?
Make up your own stories using real things around you — count fruits, toys, or coins. Write a story and solve it.
Related Topics
- Addition of 2-Digit Numbers
- Subtraction Word Problems (Grade 2)
- Addition Without Carrying
- Addition With Carrying (Regrouping)
- Adding Three Numbers
- Properties of Addition (Grade 2)
- Mental Addition and Subtraction
- Addition of 3-Digit Numbers (Grade 2)
- Missing Numbers in Addition and Subtraction
- Doubles (Grade 2)
