Curriculum placement
Grade 1. This describes the skill, not a learner estimate.
The meaning of the equal sign
Decide whether both sides of an equation have equal value
Problem types
- Is the equation true? Within 20
- Is the equation true? Within 100
- Make both sides equal
Builds on
- Adding within 20
- Number bonds to 10 · Useful idea
A number bond says the parts add to the whole, and writing 3 + 4 = 7 uses the equal sign to say both sides are the same amount.
Leads to
- Finding a missing number
- Equal multiplication and division equations
- Reading a numerical expression · Extend the idea
The equal sign says two sides have the same value, which is how equal grouped expressions such as 2 x (3 + 4) and 14 are recognised as equal.
- Equivalent expressions · Extend the idea
Equal expressions have the same value whatever number replaces the letter, which extends the equal sign from numbers to expressions.
Related skills
- Why each equation step is valid · Related idea
Each step in solving an equation must keep both sides equal, which is the balance idea of the equal sign.
- Add two-digit numbers · Shared foundations
- Equations for addition and subtraction stories · Shared foundations
- Counting on and counting back · Shared foundations
- Subtracting within 20 · Shared foundations
Open the interactive map to explore lessons and skill connections.