1.OA.7: Understanding the Equals Sign

I can understand the meaning of the equal sign.

What Your Child Needs to Know

This standard focuses on helping your child understand that the equals sign (=) means "the same as" rather than "the answer is." Many children mistakenly believe that the equals sign simply signals where to write an answer, but it actually represents a relationship of equality between the expressions on both sides.

Understanding the equals sign is fundamental to algebraic thinking. When your child grasps that both sides of an equation must have the same value, they can solve problems like 8 = 5 + □ or 3 + 4 = □ + 2. This concept builds the foundation for more complex equations and algebraic reasoning in later grades.

Real World Practice

Visual models and hands-on activities

Visual Models

1. Balance Scale Model

Use a balance scale to show that both sides of an equation must be equal. Place objects on each side to demonstrate equality.

2. Equation Cards

Create cards with numbers and symbols to build equations. Show that the equals sign means "the same as" by building equal expressions on both sides.

3. Number Balance

Draw a seesaw and place numbers on each side. The seesaw stays level when both sides are equal.

4. Equal or Not Equal Sorting

Create cards with equations (some true, some false) and have your child sort them into "equal" and "not equal" groups.

Everyday Activities

1. Equal Snacks

When sharing snacks, create equal groups to show that both sides are "the same as" each other (e.g., 3 crackers = 3 crackers).

2. Balance Challenges

Create simple equations with household items (e.g., 2 blocks + 1 block = 3 blocks) and ask your child if both sides are equal.

3. Equation Hunt

Look for examples of equality in daily life (e.g., same number of plates as people, matching pairs of socks).

4. True or False Game

Make a game of calling out simple equations (4 = 2+2, 5 = 2+2) and have your child jump left for true and right for false.

Quick Checks

Strategies and quick activities

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Use a Balance Scale

When your child struggles with the equals sign, use a physical balance scale to show that both sides must be the same weight (value).

2. Restate the Meaning

Remind your child that equals means "the same as" not "the answer is." Have them read 4 = 4 as "four is the same as four."

3. Missing Number Hints

For equations with unknowns (3 + □ = 7), use counters to show how many more are needed to make both sides equal.

4. True/False First

Before solving for unknowns, practice identifying whether simple equations are true or false to build understanding of equality.

5-Minute Practice Activities

Activity 1: Equation Flash Cards

Create cards with simple equations (4 = 4, 3 + 1 = 4, 2 + 3 = 4 + 1) and have your child identify which are true and which are false.

Activity 2: Equation Balance

Write an equation with a missing number (3 + □ = 5) and have your child find what makes both sides equal.

Activity 3: Equals Sign Hunt

Look through math worksheets or books and have your child circle all the equals signs, explaining what each one means.

Check Progress

Track improvement

By the middle of the year, your child should:

  • Understand that the equals sign means 'the same as'
  • Determine if addition and subtraction equations are true or false
  • Solve for the unknown in simple equations

By the end of the year, your child should:

  • Determine if equations involving addition and subtraction are true or false
  • Solve for unknowns in various positions in an equation
  • Understand that both sides of an equation must be equal
  • Create true equations by inserting the correct number or symbol

Mastery Signs

Your child understands this concept when they can:

  • Automatically recognize true and false equations
  • Explain why an equation is true or false
  • Create their own true equations with unknowns in different positions
  • Understand the relationship between both sides of an equation
  • Apply their understanding of equality in problem-solving

Differentiation

Support for all learning levels

Below Grade Level

Practice problems focusing on foundational skills needed for this standard.

Download Remediation Worksheet

At Grade Level

Standard practice with grade-level appropriate problems.

Download Reinforcement Worksheet

Above Grade Level

Challenging problems that extend understanding beyond grade-level expectations.

Download Enrichment Worksheet