Solve Addition & Subtraction Word Problems

In this math activity, your students will continue building the relationship between addition and subtraction while honing the skills for solving word problems.

We’ve also presented an additional challenge: students will have to put on their operations thinking caps to decide whether to use their subtraction or addition to solve the number sentences.

With our task cards, students will show that they can use addition and subtraction strategies to solve 1- and 2-step word problems to find the difference or the sum within 100. 

Provide each student with a recording sheet (included) and the task cards. Students will solve for the sum or difference and write their answers in the corresponding space on the recording sheet. 

An answer key is included for students to check their answers independently.   

Use these task cards with mini whiteboards, math notebooks, and smart boards for a quick math lesson warm-up.

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

For students who need more support honing this skill, use the task cards in your guided math group and limit the number of word problems. Provide students with math manipulatives as a visual reference when counting or encourage them to draw pictures to help them solve.

Challenge fast finishers who already understand the concept to partner up with a peer, split the cards, and take turns orally explaining how they arrived at their answers. This action allows students to slow down and think through the logic they used to solve the problem. 

Get Even More Practice Solving Addition & Subtraction Problems 

We created this resource for your math center as an independent practice activity. We also suggest using it to reinforce your small group and full-class lessons in the following ways: 

🏃‍♀️ 2-Digit Addition Relay

Divide your class into two team lines and provide the two students at the front of each line with a whiteboard. Show a task card to the students and have them solve for the sum on their board. The student that answers correctly first wins the card, and both students go to the back of the line, handing the whiteboards to the next competitors. The team with the most task cards at the end of the game wins!

🛴 Scoot Activity

Place the cards around the room numerically and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answers in the corresponding space on their paper. The students will rotate to the next card on your cue (for example, say, “SCOOT”). Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point. 

✍️ Show Me!

Give each student a mini dry-erase board and a dry-erase marker. Project one task card at a time and have each student solve for the sum on their board. When everyone has written down their answer, say, “Show Me.” Students will flip their boards, allowing you to see who needs extra support. Students can also work together in pairs or teams. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

This resource was created by Allie Kleijnjans, a teacher in Pennsylvania and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

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