2-Step Word Problem Quiz/Game (Grade 2)
Two-step problems require students to complete one calculation (Step 1) and then use that result as the starting number for the second calculation (Step 2).
This game is designed for second graders to practice reading and solving 2-step addition and subtraction word problems. It involves different types of 2-step addition and subtraction word problems. Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
Check out Word Problems Game for one-step word addition and subtraction word problems.
 

2-Step Wizardry

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0

Question

1/10

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How to Play the 2-Step Word Problem Wizard Game

1. Look at the Problem: Read the problem carefully. Write the equations that match the story, solve them and select one of the answers.
   
2. Check Your Work: If you selected the right answer, it will be highlighted in green. If you are wrong, it will be highlighted in red and the correct answer will be highlighted in green.
   
3. Get a New Problem: Click “Next Problem” for a new problem.
   Your score is tracked, showing how many you’ve gotten right.
   
4. Finish Game When you have completed 10 questions, your final score will be displayed.
    
   

Two-Step Addition and Subtraction Word Problems (Grade 2)
Type 1: Addition Followed by Subtraction
This type requires combining quantities first to find a total, and then separating a known amount from that total.
Concept: The student must first find the combined total of two or more groups (Addition) and then remove or separate a part from that new total (Subtraction).
Steps: 1. Add two known parts. 2. Subtract the change from the total.
Example: Sarah had 35 blue balloons and 20 yellow balloons. She combined them and then gave 12 balloons to her friend. How many balloons does Sarah have left?
Step 1 (Addition): Find the total number of balloons.
35 + 20 = 55
Step 2 (Subtraction): Subtract the balloons that were given away from the total.
55 - 12 = 43
(Answer: Sarah has 43 balloons left.)

Type 2: Subtraction Followed by Addition
This type requires separating an amount first, and then increasing the remaining amount.
Concept: The student starts with a whole, separates a known part (Subtraction), and then a new, separate amount is added to the remainder (Addition).
Steps: 1. Subtract the first change from the starting amount. 2. Add the new amount to the result.
Example: There were 78 cookies baked for a party. 25 cookies were eaten before dinner. Later, 15 more cookies were brought from the store. How many cookies are there now?
Step 1 (Subtraction): Find how many cookies remained after some were eaten.
78 - 25 = 53
Step 2 (Addition): Add the new cookies to the remaining amount.
53 + 15 = 68
(Answer: There are 68 cookies now.)

Type 3: Sequential Subtraction
This structure is a multi-step “take away” problem where two different parts are removed from the starting whole.
Concept: The student starts with a whole and removes one known part (Subtraction), then removes a second known part (Subtraction) from the remainder.
Steps: 1. Subtract the first amount taken away. 2. Subtract the second amount taken away from the new result.
Example: Mr. Jones had 95 stamps. He used 10 stamps for birthday cards and 22 stamps for thank-you notes. How many stamps does Mr. Jones have left?
Step 1 (Subtraction): Subtract the stamps used for birthday cards.
95 - 10 = 85
Step 2 (Subtraction): Subtract the stamps used for thank-you notes from the remainder.
85 - 22 = 63
(Answer: Mr. Jones has 63 stamps left.)
 

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to explain how to solve 2-step addition and subtraction word problems.

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