Grade 1The Equal Sign and Word Problems1.OA.D.7

The Equal Sign Means "Same Amount"

Both sides of = name the same amount.

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You have written number sentences and know facts within 10. Let’s look closely at the = sign.

Both sides are 7, so the balance is level: $3 + 4 = 5 + 2$.

Key idea

= means “is the same amount as.” Both sides must be equal. The answer can be on either side.

Why it works

Think of a balance. It is level only when both sides weigh the same. $7 = 3 + 4$ is level, and so is $3 + 4 = 5 + 2$.

Worked example: A box on the right

What goes in the box? $3 + 6 = \square + 3$
  1. Left side: $3 + 6 = 9$.
  2. The right side must also be 9. What plus 3 makes 9?
  3. 6. So $3 + 6 = 6 + 3$.

Answer: 6

Common mistake

Reading = as “the answer comes next,” and writing 9 in $3 + 6 = \square + 3$. Then the right side is $9 + 3 = 12$, not 9! Work out both sides to check.
For grown-ups: Write sentences like $7 = 7$ and $8 = 5 + 3$. Ask, “Is this true?” Many children think these look wrong at first.

Practice

Pass with 3 right answers, the last 2 in a row. Each right answer earns 1 XP.

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Sources and further reading

  • Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, Grade 1, 1.OA.D.7: understand the meaning of the equal sign
  • Institute of Education Sciences practice guide: Assisting Students Struggling with Mathematics: Intervention in the Elementary Grades (WWC 2021006)
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