Fact families: 2nd grade

In second grade, children use fact families to become fluent with addition and subtraction within 20, and to apply the idea to larger numbers. Fact families help them see why subtraction facts can be solved with addition facts they already know.

What second graders learn

• Fluency within 20. Children add and subtract within 20 from memory by the end of the year (Common Core 2.OA.B.2).
• Strategies. Making ten, doubles and near doubles, and using the related addition fact to subtract.
• Larger numbers. The same family idea works for numbers within 100, such as 30, 40 and 70.

In England, children in Year 2 learn number bonds to 20 and related facts for addition and subtraction.

Fact family examples for second grade

Notice the last card. The numbers 30, 40 and 70 follow the same pattern as 3, 4 and 7. Knowing 3 + 4 = 7 helps children with 30 + 40 = 70 and 70 − 30 = 40.

Use the family to subtract

To solve 15 − 8, a second grader thinks “8 plus what is 15?” They know 8 + 7 = 15, so 15 − 8 = 7. Our addition and subtraction fact families page walks through this method step by step.

Printable practice for 2nd grade

Ideas for the classroom or home

• Play a round of fact family practice at the Medium level.
• Ask children to write a word problem for a family, then trade with a partner.
• See all 100 families in the addition fact families to 20 list.

Frequently asked questions

What is a fact family in 2nd grade math?

It is a group of addition and subtraction facts that use the same three numbers. Second graders learn all the families within 20.

What are number fact families in Year 2?

They are the same idea, often written as number bonds. For 20, 12 and 8, the facts are 12 + 8 = 20, 8 + 12 = 20, 20 − 12 = 8 and 20 − 8 = 12.

Moving up? See 3rd grade fact families.