The Equal Sign


Related Topics:
More Lessons for Grade 1
Common Core for Grade 1




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Videos, solutions, and songs to help Grade 1 kids understand the meaning of the equal sign, and determine if equations involving addition and subtraction are true or false.
For example, which of the following equations are true and which are false?
6 = 6, 7 = 8 – 1, 5 + 2 = 2 + 5, 4 + 1 = 5 + 2.

Common Core: 1.OA.7

Learning Targets:

  • I can explain that the equal sign means “same as.”
  • I can compare the value of both sides of an equation and determine whether the equation is true or false.
  • I know that an equal sign represents the relationship between two equal quantities
  • I know that the quantities on both sides of the equation are equal in value

1.OA.7 - Meaning of the Equal Sign
The equal sign is widely misused in mathematics. That’s because its meaning has not been truly understood by students. Often the equal sign will be used to show the answer you get. However, there is a very defined use of the equal sign, and this video will illustrate it.

Maths Operation Symbol - Equal Sign
Explain the Equal Sign
The equal sign explained. Many people misunderstand the equal sign.

Math Snacks - Equal Sign
True and False number sentences
Open number sentences.




“Equals” Means “Balanced” or “Is the Same As,” Not “Get the Answer”
Asked true or false for the following three questions, many elementary school children will answer false for at least one of them:
(1) 5 = 2 + 3
(2) 7 = 7
(3) 4 + 6 = 2 + 8.

If asked why they answered false, the common response
For 5 = 2 + 3 is that it is written backwards — that the problem should be on the left hand side and the answer on the right hand side.
For 7 = 7, it is that there has to be a problem, like 7 + 0 = 7 or 7 × 1 = 7.
For 4 + 6 = 2 + 8, it is that there are two problems: 4 + 6 = 10 and 2 + 8 = 10.

What is the Equal sign?

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.
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