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This Mixed Add Subtract drill has 40 problems for Grade 2. Bowling theme. Answer key included.
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Max's bowling balls rolled into the gutter! He must solve math problems to rescue all ten pins before they disappear forever!
Standard: CCSS.MATH.2.OA.B.2
By second grade, students need to move beyond simple addition or simple subtraction into problems that mix both operations in a single sequence. This is a critical cognitive leap because it requires them to read carefully, track what operation comes next, and hold multiple steps in their working memory. When children solve problems like 8 + 5 - 3, they're building mental flexibility and learning that math isn't always just "add" or "just subtract"—it's about following a sequence. This skill directly supports their ability to solve real-world problems, like when they earn points in a game, lose some, then earn more again. Practicing mixed operations also strengthens their number sense and prepares them for more complex problem-solving in later grades. Students who master this skill develop confidence in tackling multi-step situations they'll encounter daily.
The most common error is that second graders perform operations out of order—for example, solving 9 - 2 + 6 by doing 2 + 6 first instead of going left to right. Another frequent mistake is misreading the operation sign and adding when they should subtract, or vice versa, especially when the problem mixes both. Watch for students who write down an intermediate answer but then lose track of where they are in the sequence. You can spot this by asking them to talk through the problem aloud step-by-step rather than just checking the final answer.
Use a bowling-style scorecard at home where your child earns points for small tasks (putting on shoes = 3 points, clearing their plate = 2 points), then "loses" a point for minor slip-ups, and gains points again for good behavior. Write out the calculation together: 3 + 2 - 1 + 2. Have them solve it left to right and actually keep their running score. This real-money-for-chores approach makes the operation sequence concrete and meaningful for a second grader.