---
title: "Reading +, −, and = symbols"
description: "Read, write, and interpret the symbols +, −, and = in number sentences"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-symbols-mt_8RmpkDxT9L
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-symbols-mt_8RmpkDxT9L.md
retrieved: 2026-11-12
---

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# Reading +, −, and = symbols

Read, write, and interpret the symbols +, −, and = in number sentences

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Addition & Subtraction · Ages 5 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-symbols-mt_8RmpkDxT9L

## Ready when they can

- Read 3 + 2 = 5 aloud as 'three plus two equals five'
- Write a number sentence to match a concrete addition situation
- Interpret the = sign as 'is the same as' rather than just 'the answer is'

## Lesson: Reading the +, −, and = signs

You have joined groups and taken things away. Signs help you write those actions. The + sign means plus, or put together. The − sign means minus, or take away. The = sign means equals, or the same amount as. Read each number and sign from left to right.

*(drawing: Read this out loud: three plus two equals five.)*

**Example.** Nina has 1 star and finds 3 more. Count both groups: 4 stars. Write the starting number, then +, then how many join. After =, write the total: 1 + 3 = 4. Here 1 is the starting group, 3 tells how many join, and 4 is the total.

The = sign says both sides have the same amount. Work out each side to check. In 1 + 3 = 2 + 2, each side makes 4. You can also write 4 = 1 + 3. Both sides still make 4. A sentence such as 4 = 4 needs no adding.

**Example.** Nina has 7 stars and gives away 3. Four remain. Write the starting number, then −, then how many leave. After =, write how many remain: 7 − 3 = 4. Read it as seven minus three equals four. Here 3 tells how many are taken away.

A box [ ] holds a missing number. For 2 + [ ] = 9, start with 2 counters. Add counters until you have 9. You added 7, so the box holds 7. This also works in 9 = 2 + [ ]. When both sides have sums, find one total first. Then find the missing number that makes the other side match.

*(drawing: 2 dots and 7 more make 9. The missing number in 2 + [ ] = 9 is 7.)*

**Recap.** Plus means put together, minus means take away, and equals means both sides match.

*Lesson, questions and flashcards written for this learning dataset.*

## Practice

18 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Reading and writing numbers to 20](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-writing-numbers-to-20-mt_fR0UtsSREU)
- [Addition as combining or putting together two groups](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-as-combining-or-putting-together-two-groups-mt_OvyoRo47K-)
- [Subtraction as taking away or separating](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/subtraction-as-taking-away-or-separating-mt_zuKAX6lcYR)

## Opens up

- [Connecting Representations](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/connecting-representations-mt_EBYGhd8X3x)
- [Writing simple fractions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/writing-simple-fractions-mt_MyGblah2yY)
- [What the equals sign means](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/what-the-equals-sign-means-mt_oIzycTBeE4)
- [The teen numbers](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/the-teen-numbers-mt_xmmgAzxe5j)
- [Reading ×, ÷, and = Symbols](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-symbols-mt_zOWwLxa77y)