Kangaroo-Style Math Practice, Grades 1-2, Set 5

About this practice set

Six original contest-style math problems for grades 1-2 with answer choices A to E, worth 3, 4 and 5 points, plus an answer key that explains every solution. Topics: geometry, money, patterns, word problems, working backwards. The problems are written for grades 1 and 2 and lean on pictures and small numbers. After checking answers, try to explain each solution in your own words.

On this sheet

two are worth 3 points, the next two 4 points and the last two 5 points. How many small squares make up this shape? I think of a number. When I add 9, I get 20. What is my number? How many matchsticks were used to make this picture? Noah buys 2 pencils for $4 each and pays with a $10 bill. How much change does Noah get? Eli is 6 years old. Eli's cousin is 4 years older.

Tips for using it

• Underline the question and circle the numbers before solving.
• Draw a quick picture of each story before writing the number sentence.
• Give about 3 to 4 minutes per problem, like in a real contest.
• Read every problem twice: contest questions often hide the key detail in one word.

Printing tips

Download the PDF and print at 100% (or “fit to page” on A4). Page 1 is the practice set and page 2 is the answer key with the answers in red; print just page 1 if you want to keep the answers for checking. The PNG shows page 1 only. Free for personal, family and classroom use.