---
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: 2026-10-19
---

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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

The + sign means plus, or put together. The − sign means minus, or take away. The = sign means equals, or the same as.

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

**Example.** Nina has 3 stars. She finds 2 more stars. Now she has 5 stars. She writes 3 + 2 = 5.

**Tip.** The = sign does not just mean 'here is the answer.' It means both sides match. 3 + 2 is the same as 5.

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

## 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)