Two-Digit Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

Word problems are just math puzzles hidden inside everyday stories! When you read a word problem, your goal is to figure out whether you need to add or subtract the two-digit numbers to find the answer.

Steps to Solve Any Word Problem

1. Read the story carefully. What is happening in the story?
2. Look for clue words. Words like total, altogether, left, or more than tell you which math operation to use.
3. Write an equation. Turn the story into a math sentence.
4. Solve it! Use your addition or subtraction skills to find the answer.

Addition Word Problems (Finding a Total)

When a story puts things together or adds more to what is already there, you need to add.

Clue Words: altogether, in all, total, joined, returned, combined

Example: Tim scored $37$ points in a game. Jill scored $48$ points. How many points did they score altogether?

• The Clue: The word "altogether" tells us to add Tim's points and Jill's points.
• The Equation: $37 + 48 = ?$
• The Solution: $37 + 48 = 85$. They scored $85$ points in total.

Subtraction Word Problems (Finding What is Left)

When a story takes things away, spends money, or loses items, you need to subtract.

Clue Words: left, gave away, lost, spent, difference

Example: A shelf has $82$ books on it. Students borrow $35$ books. How many books are left on the shelf?

• The Clue: The words "borrow" and "left" tell us books are being taken away, so we subtract.
• The Equation: $82 - 35 = ?$
• The Solution: $82 - 35 = 47$. There are $47$ books left on the shelf.

Comparing Two Amounts

Sometimes, a word problem asks you to compare two numbers to see who has more or who has less. To find the difference between two numbers, you always subtract.

Clue Words: how many more, how many fewer, difference

Example: Mia has $64$ stickers. Leo has $29$ stickers. How many more stickers does Mia have than Leo?

• The Clue: "How many more" means we need to find the difference between their amounts.
• The Equation: $64 - 29 = ?$
• The Solution: $64 - 29 = 35$. Mia has $35$ more stickers than Leo.