What the equals sign means
Understand the meaning of the equal sign as 'is the same as' and determine if equations are true or false
What a learner can do afterwards
- Explain that 6 = 6 is true because both sides are the same
- Determine that 4 + 1 = 5 + 2 is false
- Understand that = does not mean 'the answer comes next': it means balance
1 · Read
The equals sign, =, means 'is the same as.' It does not mean 'here comes the answer.' Whatever is on the left side must match whatever is on the right side.
Mia sees 4 + 1 = 5 + 2. She checks each side on its own. 4 + 1 is 5. 5 + 2 is 7. 5 is not the same as 7, so the equation is false.
Before you decide if an equation is true or false, work out both sides first. Then check if they match.
The equals sign means both sides are the same amount, not 'the answer is next.'
More to read
Section 32: Equal and Equivalent
Equal means exactly the same amount on both sides. Equivalent means different looks with the same value, like two quarters matching one half. The equals sign is a balance scale, not a command to write an answer. Whatever sits on the left must match whatever sits on the right. Test each sentence: work out both sides, then compare. If they match, the sentence is true.
Comparison symbols review
Comparison symbols tell how two numbers relate. The open mouth always eats the greater number, so 9 is greater than 4 and 3 is less than 7. The equals sign says both sides hold the same amount. Read each sentence left to right and check the sign points the right way. If the two sides do not match, the sentence is false.
2.5: Solving Equations Using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality (Part 1)
Equations with a missing number are puzzles with one hidden piece. Addition and subtraction undo each other, so use the opposite move to reveal it. If something plus nine makes fourteen, take nine from fourteen to find the five. Always test your answer by placing it back into the puzzle. When both sides match, the puzzle is solved.
Explore more
2 · Watch
En anglaisTake it off screen
Where it sits
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
18 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.