The equals sign represents that the quantities or expressions on its two sides have the same value, not that the answer must come after it. Within addition and subtraction situations using numbers up to 20, this understanding supports interpreting and writing equations in varied forms, such as , , and , while distinguishing true and false equations; symbolic manipulation with variables and more general algebraic equivalence are beyond this scope.
On this page:
- Learn “Use the equals sign” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Use the equals sign” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Use the equals sign you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Use the equals sign” from different perspectives.
- Start working on adaptive units like “Picture Numbers - Addition Intro” or “Picture Numbers - Subtraction Intro” that introduce, teach, or practice “Use the equals sign” to maximize your learning.
Detailed Explanation: Use the equals sign
The equals sign, , means “has the same value as.” It does not mean that the answer must come after it.
Look at both sides of the equals sign and find each side’s value.
Example
- Find the value on the left:
- Find the value on the right:
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Both sides equal , so the equation is true:
The equals sign tells us that the two sides have the same value.
Learn by doing: Use the equals sign
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Practice:
Addition - Balance Equation - One Digit, Two Terms
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Download/Modify Free Grade 1 'Use the equals sign' Worksheet
Print this free 'Use the equals sign' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Addition - Balance Equation - One Digit, Two Terms
- Addition & Subtraction - Balance Equation - One Digit, Two Terms
- Addition - Balance Equation - One Digit, Three Terms
- Addition - Missing Value, 1 Digit, 1 Number
- Linear Equation - Solve for Box, Two Terms
- Picture Numbers - Adding - Picture to Equation (Within 5)
- Picture Numbers - Adding - Picture to Equation (Within 10)
- Picture Numbers - Adding - Picture to Equation (Within 20)
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Use the equals sign) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.