---
title: "Reading ×, ÷, and = Symbols"
description: "Read, write, and interpret the symbols ×, ÷, and = in multiplication and division number sentences"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-symbols-mt_zOWwLxa77y
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-symbols-mt_zOWwLxa77y.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Reading ×, ÷, and = Symbols

Read, write, and interpret the symbols ×, ÷, and = in multiplication and division number sentences

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Multiplication & Division · Ages 6 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-symbols-mt_zOWwLxa77y

## Ready when they can

- Read 3 × 4 = 12 aloud as 'three times four equals twelve'
- Write a multiplication sentence to match an array
- Read 12 ÷ 3 = 4 aloud correctly

## Lesson: Reading the ×, ÷, and = Signs

You already know the + and − signs, and you know = means 'equals'. Two more signs join that family: × and ÷. The × sign is read as 'times'. The ÷ sign is read as 'divided by'. You read every number sentence from left to right, just like before.

*(drawing: This array has 3 rows of 4. Read the matching sentence as 'three times four equals twelve'.)*

**Example.** Priya draws an array with 2 rows of 5. She writes the sentence 2 × 5 = 10 and reads it out loud: 'two times five equals ten'.

**Tip.** Read every sign left to right, in the order it's written. In 12 ÷ 3 = 4, say the first number first: 'twelve divided by three equals four'. Reading the numbers backward gives you the wrong sentence.

**Recap.** × means 'times', ÷ means 'divided by', and = still means 'equals'. Read every number sentence left to right.

## Practice

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

## Needs first

- [Reading +, −, and = symbols](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-symbols-mt_8RmpkDxT9L)
- [Arrays for multiplication](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/arrays-for-multiplication-mt_GRWwTDZ3wD)
- [Division as equal sharing](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/division-as-equal-sharing-mt_LpSuPgL31x)
- [Multiplication as repeated addition](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multiplication-as-repeated-addition-mt_PZ909yPrEC)

## Opens up

- [Written Multiplication & Division](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/written-multiplication-and-division-mt_DyGBW3ZHh3)
- [What Division Means](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/what-division-means-mt_iNdrM2-oJf)