6 Most Common P2 Math Whole Numbers Problem Sums
- AGrader Learning Centre
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Solving whole number word problems is one of the essential skills every Primary 2 (P2) student must master. These questions form the foundation for more complex problem-solving later on in upper primary levels. In this article, we provide a clear and encouraging walkthrough of six of the most common whole number problem sums encountered in P2 Maths. By learning how to approach these problems using simple strategies and recognising keywords, your child can develop greater confidence and proficiency in whole number problem solving.
Table of Contents:
Understanding Whole Number Word Problems
Before diving into specific types of problems, it’s important to grasp what whole number word problems are. These are mathematical questions presented in story form, requiring students to read, interpret, and apply arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction to find the answer.
Common terms in whole number word problems include:
Altogether
How many more/less
Left
In total
Fewer than
Let’s explore two major types of models used in solving these problems: Part-Whole Model and Comparison Model.
Part-Whole Model: Understanding the Total and the Parts
The Part-Whole Model helps students break down or build up numbers using addition and subtraction. It’s commonly used in situations involving totals and parts of a whole.
Example 1: Finding the Total (Addition)
Vivien spent $22 on Monday. She spent $49 on Tuesday. How much did she spend altogether?
Step-by-step solution:
Identify the parts: $22 (Monday) and $49 (Tuesday)
Identify the keyword: "altogether" (indicates addition)
Perform the calculation: $22 + $49 = $71
Final Answer: She spent $71 altogether.
Key Tip: When you see words like altogether, in all, or total, you're likely being asked to perform addition.
Example 2: Finding the Missing Part (Subtraction)
There are 768 students at the hall. 294 are girls and the rest are boys. How many boys are there?
Step-by-step solution:
Total students: 768
Girls: 294
Find the remainder (boys): 768 - 294 = 474
Final Answer: There are 474 boys.
Key Tip: When a part is missing and a total is given, use subtraction to find the answer.
Example 3: Finding the Amount Left (Subtraction after Addition)
Mr Singh went shopping with $800. He bought a tablet for $182 and a watch for $440. How much money had he left?
Step-by-step solution:
Find total spent: $182 + $440 = $622
Subtract from original amount: $800 - $622 = $178
Final Answer: He had $178 left.
Key Tip: When dealing with money left after spending, always find the total expenditure first, then subtract it from the starting amount.
Comparison Model: Comparing Quantities
The Comparison Model is useful for problems that involve comparing two sets of numbers to determine the difference between them.
Example 4: Fewer Than (Subtraction)
Mr Loh sold 617 cupcakes in May. He sold 298 fewer cupcakes in June. How many cupcakes did he sell in June?
Step-by-step solution:
Sales in May: 617
Difference: 298
Calculate June’s sales: 617 - 298 = 319
Final Answer: He sold 319 cupcakes in June.
Key Tip: The phrase fewer than usually indicates subtraction.
Example 5: How Many More (Subtraction)
Mr Soh sold 467 books on Monday. He sold 288 books on Tuesday. How many more books did he sell on Monday than on Tuesday?
Step-by-step solution:
Books on Monday: 467
Books on Tuesday: 288
Difference: 467 - 288 = 179
Final Answer: He sold 179 more books on Monday than on Tuesday.
Key Tip: How many more also signals a subtraction problem to find the difference.
Example 6: Total of Unequal Amounts (Addition with Comparison)
Winnie has $348. Jay has $280 more than Winnie. How much money do they have altogether?
Step-by-step solution:
Jay’s money: $348 + $280 = $628
Add both: $628 + $348 = $976
Final Answer: They have $976 altogether.
Key Tip: Always calculate the greater amount first (using addition), then sum the two figures.
What Can We Learn from These Whole Number Word Problems?
Each of the six examples illustrates a core concept in whole number word problems—whether it’s finding the total, determining the missing part, comparing quantities, or figuring out how much is left.
These problems test:
Understanding of number relationships
Logical thinking
Proficiency in addition and subtraction
Attention to keywords and context
Repeated practice with these types of word problems helps build a strong mathematical foundation for Primary 2 students.
How Parents Can Support at Home
If you’re a parent helping your child with Primary 2 Maths, focus on these approaches:
Highlight keywords like “altogether,” “how many more,” “left,” and “fewer than.”
Draw models (bar models or part-whole diagrams) to help children visualise the problem.
Guide with questions instead of giving direct answers. E.g., “What do we know? What are we trying to find?”
Encourage estimation to check whether the final answer makes sense.
Whole number word problems are not just about getting the right answer—they’re about thinking logically, applying maths in daily situations, and becoming confident with numbers. Whether you’re working on a whole number word problems worksheet at home or solving a tricky exam question in class, the strategies discussed in this walkthrough will help you approach problems with clarity and confidence.
Keep practising the Part-Whole Model and Comparison Model, and soon you’ll find that solving these questions becomes second nature.
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