Minds On

What does “equal” mean?

Learner showcasing the equal sign, which is two small horizontal lines above each other.

How many ways can you show the number 6?

Use the interactive Ten Frame or another method of choice.

To start using the Ten Frame click on the dot and move it into the frame.

When you are ready, press the ‘Answer’ button to reveal some of the ways we can show the number 6.

A ten frame with 6 circles. There are 5 circles in the top row and 1 circle in the bottom row. A ten frame with 6 circles. There are 3 circles in the top row and 3 circles in the bottom row. A ten frame with 6 circles. There are 2 circles in the top row and 4 circles in the bottom row.

Action

Equal or not equal

Task 1: Comparing handfuls

Two students played a game.

They had a big bin of linking cubes.

Student 1 put cubes in both hands and so did Student 2.

They checked to see if they had an equal number of cubes or not. They played the game 4 times.

The following images show the four games that Student 1 and Student 2 played. What symbol can we put in each example to show if the cubes are equal or not equal?

Select the correct answer, then press "Check Answer" to see how you did.

Task 2: True or false

The following are some math equations.

For each equation, decide if it is true or false.

When you are done, review the answers by pressing the ‘Answer’ button.

True False
6 = 6 4 + 1 = 5 + 2
1 + 3 = 4
7 = 8 − 1
5 + 2 = 2 + 5

Consolidation

Try it on your own

Equal or not equal?

For each of the following sets of equations, figure out if the expressions are equal or not equal. Explain how you know.

If you'd like, you can use pictures, counters, or manipulatives to help count and support your thinking.

Record your ideas in a notebook or a method of your choice.

Equation Set 1 with two equations. The first equation has 8 counters minus 3 counters, so the equation is 8 subtract 3. The second equation has 4 counters plus 2 counters, so the equation is 4 plus 2.

Equation Set 2 with two equations. The first equation has 4 counters plus 3 counters, so the equation is 4 plus 3. The second equation has 10 counters minus 3 counters, so the equation is 4 subtract 2.

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.