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Grades K–2 · Mathematics

What does the equals sign tell us about two amounts?

The equals sign means that the amount on one side is the same as the amount on the other side. It has two short lines. It does not mean that only an answer may come next.

N20 visual explanationThe left expression is 2 + 3 and the right expression is 5. Both name 5 counters, so the equal sign states that their quantities match. It is not an instruction to place an answer only on the right.Equals means the same quantity=2 + 35Both sides name 5 counters.Different expressions can name an equal amount.

In the diagramEquals means the same quantity=2 + 35Both sides name 5 counters.Different expressions can name an equal amount.

Two plus three and five both name a quantity of five counters.

The left picture joins two counters and three counters. The right picture has five counters together. These are different ways to show the same whole. That is why 2 + 3 = 5 is true.

Two expressions can also sit on opposite sides. For example, one and four match three and two. Both sides name five counters, even though the groups look different.

About this explanation

Starting knowledge: Count up to five counters and understand that joining small groups makes one whole.

Sources

  • Common Core State Standards Initiative — Grade 1: Meaning of the equal sign
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