A balance is like a see-saw. When both sides have the same, it stays level. Today we learn what equal means.
Equal means the same as
If I have 4 marbles and you have 4 marbles, we have the same number. 4 is equal to 4. We write the equals sign like this: =
4 = 4
If I have 5 and you have 3, they are not equal. The balance tips down on my side.
Make it balance
On the left are 2 red balls and 3 green balls. How many blue balls do we need on the right?
🔴🔴🟢🟢🟢 ⚖️ 🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵
2 and 3 make 5. So we need 5 blue balls. We write: 2 + 3 = 5.
Now take 2 away from 6. We have 4 left: 6 − 2 = 4.
TRY ITMake it balance
Put blue balls on the right pan until both sides are equal.
Let’s practise
Try each one. Then tap Show answer to check.
1. Is 7 equal to 7?
Show answer
Yes. 7 = 7.
2. Is 3 + 1 equal to 5?
Show answer
No. 3 + 1 = 4, and 4 is not equal to 5.
3. 1 red and 4 green on one side. How many blue to balance?
Show answer
5 blue.
4. 6 red and 2 green on one side. How many blue to balance?
Show answer
8 blue.
5. Fill the box: 5 + 5 = ☐
Show answer
10.
6. Fill the box: 9 − 3 = ☐
Show answer
6.
Quick check
1. What does the sign = mean?
Show answer
“Equals” or “is the same as”.
2. One pan has 6 apples. The other has 4 apples. Which side goes down?
Show answer
The side with 6 apples. They are not equal.
3. Make it equal: 3 + ☐ = 7
Show answer
4.
Maths words
Say these words with a grown-up. Can you use each one in a sentence?
equal · not equal · the same as · equals sign (=) · balance · level · altogether
Try it at home
- Make a coat-hanger balance with two cups on strings. Put the same number of beans in each cup. Is it level?
- Share 10 sweets so that two people have an equal number.
- Write number sentences with the = sign, like 2 + 2 = 4.
For parents and teachers
After this lesson, your child should be able to:
- make equal and unequal groups and check by counting or with a balance
- use the words “equal”, “not equal” and “the same as”
- solve simple balance problems (for example 2 red + 3 green = how many blue?)
- write addition and subtraction number sentences with the = sign
Encourage reading = as “is the same as”. This avoids the common idea that = just means “write the answer next”.
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Attributions to media used in this post:
Balance scale IMGP9755.jpg – Nikodem Nijaki – CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
© 2026 Vedesh Kungebeharry. All rights reserved.