teaching resource

Maths Word Problems – Year 2

Updated: 27 Mar 2025

Boost problem-solving skills with these math word problems for Year 2, designed to help students tackle the four operations through real-world scenarios.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 11 Pages
Year: 2

Curriculum

VC2M2N05

Multiply and divide by one-digit numbers using repeated addition, equal grouping, arrays and partitioning to support a variety of calculation strategies <ul> <li>making and naming arrays and using bar models to solve simple multiplication or sharing problems; for example, making different arrays to represent 12 and naming them as ‘3 fours’, ‘2 sixes’, ‘4 threes’ and ‘6 twos’, using physical or virtual materials to make arrays or using bar models to demonstrate that ‘3 fours’ is equal to ‘4 threes’</li> <li>finding the total number represented in an array by partitioning the array using subitising and number facts; for example, describing how they determined the total number of dots arranged in a ‘3 fives’ array by saying, ‘I saw 2 fives, which is 10, and then 5 more, which makes 15’</li> <li>recognising problems that can be solved using division and identifying the difference between dividing a set of objects into 3 equal groups and dividing the same set of objects into groups of 3</li> <li>using a Think Board to solve partition and quotition division problems; for example, sharing a prize of $36 between 4 people, using materials, a diagram and skip counting to find the answer, and explaining whether the answer ‘9’ refers to people or dollars</li> <li>using materials or diagrams, and skip counting, to solve repeated equal-quantity multiplication problems; for example, writing a repeated addition number sentence and using skip counting to solve the problem ‘Four trays of biscuits with 6 on each tray – how many biscuits are there?’</li> </ul>
VC2M2N06

Use mathematical modelling to solve practical problems involving additive and multiplicative situations, including money transactions; represent situations and choose calculation strategies; interpret and communicate solutions in terms of the context <ul> <li>modelling practical problems by interpreting an everyday additive or multiplicative situation; for example, making a number of purchases at a store and deciding whether to use addition, subtraction, multiplication or division to solve the problem and justifying the choice of operation, such as ‘I used subtraction to solve this problem as I knew the total and one of the parts, so I needed to subtract to find the missing part’</li> <li>modelling and solving simple money problems involving whole dollar amounts with addition, subtraction, multiplication or division, for example, ‘If each member of our class contributes $5, how much money will we have in total?’</li> <li>modelling and solving practical problems such as deciding how many people should be in each team for a game or sports event, how many teams for a given game can be filled from a class, or how to share out some food or distribute money in whole dollar amounts, including deciding what to do if there is a remainder</li> <li>modelling and solving the problem ‘How many days are there left in this year?’ by using a calendar</li> <li>modelling problems involving equal grouping and sharing in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children’s instructive games; for example, in Yangamini from the Tiwi Peoples of Bathurst Island, representing relationships with a number sentence and interpreting and communicating solutions in terms of the context</li> </ul>
VC9M2N05
1. Victorian Curriculum
VC9M2N04
1. Victorian Curriculum
VC9M2N06
1. Victorian Curriculum

teaching resource

Maths Word Problems – Year 2

Updated: 27 Mar 2025

Boost problem-solving skills with these math word problems for Year 2, designed to help students tackle the four operations through real-world scenarios.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 11 Pages
Year: 2

Boost problem-solving skills with these math word problems for Year 2, designed to help students tackle the four operations through real-world scenarios.

Grab This Versatile Set of Maths Word Problems Year 2

If your students have mastered basic computations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, you might be wondering whether they can apply these skills to a new context, such as word problems. Well, there is one sure way to find out!

This set of 32 task cards contains a range of word problems that challenge students to apply their understanding of the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). By working through real-world scenarios, students develop logical thinking, reasoning skills, and confidence in maths. All questions are embedded in real-world, age-appropriate situations that students will be familiar with.

Here is an example word problem:

Katie eats breakfast in 15 minutes, brushes her teeth in 5 minutes and gets dressed in 10 minutes. How many minutes does it take for Katie to get ready for school?

The resource download includes:

Instruction Page
Task Cards
Recording Sheet
Answer Page

These maths word problems task cards can be downloaded as a printable PDF or editable Google Slides file.

Ways to Use These Worded Maths Problems Year 2

There are many ways to incorporate these worded maths problems for Year 2 into your lessons. Here are some engaging activity ideas:

Maths Groups – Set up a problem-solving station where students work through the task cards individually or in pairs. This allows them to collaborate, discuss strategies and build confidence in solving different types of word problems.
Scoot Game – Place a card on each desk and have students rotate through the problems, solving one at each stop. This fast-paced activity keeps students engaged while reinforcing their ability to quickly analyse and solve word problems.
Independent Practice – Provide students with a selection of cards to work through independently at their own pace. This is a great way to assess individual understanding and give students reinforcement in areas where they need more practice.

Download Your Year 2 Maths Word Problems PDF

Use the Download button above to select your chosen file format.

As this resource contains an answer page, we recommend printing one copy of the entire file, removing the answer page, then making further copies if required.

Print the cards on cardboard to increase the durability of the resource. Place the cards together in a large envelope or ziplock bag for safekeeping.

Kendall Britnell, a teacher and a Teach Starter collaborator, contributed to this resource.

Resources to Complement These Maths Word Problems for Year 2

Click below to explore more problem-solving resources to use in your Year 2 classroom.

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Maths Problem Solving Strategy Mats

Help your students solve math word problems with this set of strategy mats.

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Daily Problem-Solving - Multistep Word Problems for Year 2-3

Boost your students’ problem-solving skills with rigorous daily review of multi-step word problems for Years 2 and 3.

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Addition and Subtraction Word Problem Task Cards (Numbers 10-50)

Use a range of addition and subtraction strategies to solve twenty word problems that contain numbers 10–50.

Curriculum

VC2M2N05

Multiply and divide by one-digit numbers using repeated addition, equal grouping, arrays and partitioning to support a variety of calculation strategies <ul> <li>making and naming arrays and using bar models to solve simple multiplication or sharing problems; for example, making different arrays to represent 12 and naming them as ‘3 fours’, ‘2 sixes’, ‘4 threes’ and ‘6 twos’, using physical or virtual materials to make arrays or using bar models to demonstrate that ‘3 fours’ is equal to ‘4 threes’</li> <li>finding the total number represented in an array by partitioning the array using subitising and number facts; for example, describing how they determined the total number of dots arranged in a ‘3 fives’ array by saying, ‘I saw 2 fives, which is 10, and then 5 more, which makes 15’</li> <li>recognising problems that can be solved using division and identifying the difference between dividing a set of objects into 3 equal groups and dividing the same set of objects into groups of 3</li> <li>using a Think Board to solve partition and quotition division problems; for example, sharing a prize of $36 between 4 people, using materials, a diagram and skip counting to find the answer, and explaining whether the answer ‘9’ refers to people or dollars</li> <li>using materials or diagrams, and skip counting, to solve repeated equal-quantity multiplication problems; for example, writing a repeated addition number sentence and using skip counting to solve the problem ‘Four trays of biscuits with 6 on each tray – how many biscuits are there?’</li> </ul>
VC2M2N06

Use mathematical modelling to solve practical problems involving additive and multiplicative situations, including money transactions; represent situations and choose calculation strategies; interpret and communicate solutions in terms of the context <ul> <li>modelling practical problems by interpreting an everyday additive or multiplicative situation; for example, making a number of purchases at a store and deciding whether to use addition, subtraction, multiplication or division to solve the problem and justifying the choice of operation, such as ‘I used subtraction to solve this problem as I knew the total and one of the parts, so I needed to subtract to find the missing part’</li> <li>modelling and solving simple money problems involving whole dollar amounts with addition, subtraction, multiplication or division, for example, ‘If each member of our class contributes $5, how much money will we have in total?’</li> <li>modelling and solving practical problems such as deciding how many people should be in each team for a game or sports event, how many teams for a given game can be filled from a class, or how to share out some food or distribute money in whole dollar amounts, including deciding what to do if there is a remainder</li> <li>modelling and solving the problem ‘How many days are there left in this year?’ by using a calendar</li> <li>modelling problems involving equal grouping and sharing in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children’s instructive games; for example, in Yangamini from the Tiwi Peoples of Bathurst Island, representing relationships with a number sentence and interpreting and communicating solutions in terms of the context</li> </ul>
VC9M2N05
1. Victorian Curriculum
VC9M2N04
1. Victorian Curriculum
VC9M2N06
1. Victorian Curriculum

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2 Comments

Write a review to help other teachers and parents like yourself. If you'd like to request a change to this resource, or report an error, select the corresponding tab above.

Holly (Teach Starter) · 10 years ago

Great Nicole! We are glad they will be useful to you. -Holly
Nicole Harker · 10 years ago

These are perfect for my 1/2 class. Thank you!