Understanding the Equal Sign: It's More Than Just an Answer!

Math Grades 1st Grade 4:55 Video
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Lesson Description

This lesson helps 1st graders understand that the equal sign (=) means 'the same as,' not just 'the answer.' We'll explore how both sides of the equal sign represent the same value, even with different numbers and operations.

Video Resource

Equal sign | Addition and subtraction within 20 | Early Math | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:55
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • The equal sign (=) means 'the same as'.
  • The equal sign does not just mean 'the answer'.
  • Both sides of an equation must have the same value.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to explain the meaning of the equal sign.
  • Students will be able to determine if an equation is true or false based on the equal sign.
  • Students will be able to solve simple addition and subtraction problems within 20.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they think the equal sign means. Discuss their ideas and common misconceptions (e.g., it just means 'the answer').
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video "Equal sign | Addition and subtraction within 20 | Early Math | Khan Academy". Instruct students to pay attention to how the video explains the meaning of the equal sign with examples.
  • Discussion (5 mins)
    After the video, discuss what the video taught about the equal sign. Emphasize that the equal sign means 'the same as' and not just 'the answer'.
  • Practice Equations (10 mins)
    Write several equations on the board (e.g., 3 + 2 = 5, 6 = 6, 4 + 1 = 2 + 3, 7 = 9 - 1). Have students work in pairs to determine if each equation is true or false, explaining their reasoning.
  • Independent Practice (8 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing more equations. Have them independently determine if each equation is true or false and circle their answer.

Interactive Exercises

  • Balance Scale Analogy
    Use a balance scale to represent equations. Place different quantities of objects (e.g., blocks, counters) on each side of the scale. If the scale balances, the equation is true. If it doesn't, the equation is false.
  • Equation Building
    Give students number cards and operation cards (+, -, =). Have them work in small groups to create true equations and then explain why they are true.

Discussion Questions

  • What does the equal sign (=) really mean?
  • Give an example of an equation where the equal sign doesn't just mean 'the answer'.
  • How can we check if an equation is true or false?

Skills Developed

  • Understanding the meaning of the equal sign.
  • Evaluating the truth of equations.
  • Addition and subtraction within 20.
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does the equal sign (=) mean?

Correct Answer: The same as

Question 2:

Which of these is true?

Correct Answer: 4 = 2 + 2

Question 3:

Is this true or false: 5 = 5?

Correct Answer: True

Question 4:

What is 3 + 4?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 5:

Which equation is NOT true?

Correct Answer: 2 + 2 = 3

Question 6:

Which of these means the same as 5?

Correct Answer: 2 + 3

Question 7:

What is 8 - 2?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 8:

Which equation is true?

Correct Answer: 5 - 2 = 3

Question 9:

Is 2 + 2 the same as 1 + 3?

Correct Answer: Yes

Question 10:

What is 10 - 0?

Correct Answer: 10

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The equal sign means 'the ________ as'.

Correct Answer: same

Question 2:

2 + 3 = ______

Correct Answer: 5

Question 3:

6 - 1 = ______

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

4 = 2 + ______

Correct Answer: 2

Question 5:

1 + 1 is the same as ______.

Correct Answer: 2

Question 6:

7 + 0 = ______

Correct Answer: 7

Question 7:

If 3 + 2 = 5, then 5 = ______ + ______

Correct Answer: 3

Question 8:

9 - ______ = 5

Correct Answer: 4

Question 9:

8 is the same as 4 + ______

Correct Answer: 4

Question 10:

10 - 10 = ______

Correct Answer: 0

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.D.7:Understand the meaning of the equal sign, and determine if equations involving addition and subtraction are true or false. For example, which of the following equations are true and which are false? 6 = 6, 7 = 8 - 1, 5 + 2 = 2 + 5, 4 + 1 = 5 + 2. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6:Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14); decomposing a number leading to a ten (e.g., 13 - 4 = 13 - 3 - 1 = 10 - 1 = 9); using the relationship between addition and subtraction (e.g., knowing that 8 + 4 = 12, one knows 12 - 8 = 4); and creating equivalent but easier or known sums (e.g., adding 6 + 7 by creating the known equivalent 6 + 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13).

Teaching Materials

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