Year 1 - Maths
Understand the use of the equals sign in equations
Additive structures: addition
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will combine 2 or more parts to make a whole. They will learn addends can be represented in any order and that the = sign shows the whole and sum of the parts are equal.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to understand how we use the equal sign to show that the whole and the sum of its parts are equal.
Key Notes
- We can write an equation to show that the whole is equal to the sum of its parts.
- The equals sign = represents 'is equal to'. It shows us which parts of the equation are equal.
- When adding, the whole is called the sum.
- The sum is equal to the two addends.
- You can rearrange an equation as long as both sides of the equation remain equal to each other.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Is equal to: Exactly the same amount or value.
- Equals symbol: = shows that what is on the left of the symbol is exactly the same amount or value as what is on the right of the symbol.
- Equation: An equation says that two things are equal. It will have an equal sign like this =
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may believe the equal sign must always be placed at the end of the equation.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
We can write an equation to show that the whole is equal to the sum of its parts. The equals sign = represents 'is equal to'. It shows us which parts of the equation are equal.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Is equal to'
Exactly the same amount or value. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Children may believe the equal sign must always be placed at the end of the equation. Correction: Provide opportunities to rearrange equations, initially where both addends are presented as one unit which balances the sum.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Add parts to find the value of the whole and write the equation Study Guide
- Combine parts using the addition symbol Study Guide
- Find the missing part in an equation Study Guide
- Partition a whole into two parts and write as a subtraction equation Study Guide
- Understand addition as increasing a quantity Study Guide
- Understand that parts can be represented in any order Study Guide
- Understand the relationship between addition and subtraction Study Guide
- Understanding part-part-whole relationships Study Guide
- Using bar models to subtract Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 1 Maths guide library.