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Equality and Balance Equations

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Equality and Balance Equations

An equals sign shows that both sides have the same value. Work out each side carefully. You may use counters or draw to help.

Understand equality

1.What does the equals sign tell you in 6 + 2 = 8?

The answer comes next, and nothing else matters
The value on each side is the same
The numbers need to be added together

2.Decide whether 7 + 4 = 6 + 5 is true or false.

TrueFalse

3.Decide whether 12 − 5 = 8 is true or false.

TrueFalse

4.Fill the box so both sides have the same value: 9 + 3 = 7 + □.

5.Fill the box so both sides have the same value: 14 − 6 = □ + 3.

6.Match each expression on the left with an expression on the right that has the same value.

8 + 5
16 − 9
6 + 6
18 − 4

4 + 3
9 + 5
20 − 7
15 − 3

Keep both sides balanced

7.The equation 6 + 3 = 9 is balanced. If 4 is added to the left side, what must be added to the right side to keep it balanced?

8.Complete the balanced equation: (5 + 4) + 2 = 9 + □.

9.Complete the balanced equation: (13 − 6) − 3 = 7 − □.

10.Complete the balanced equation: (8 + 2) + □ = 10 + 6.

11.Show with counters or a quick drawing why 5 + 3 = 6 + 2 is balanced. How many counters would be on each side?

Think it through

12.Find the missing number: 17 + 6 = 19 + □.

13.Write two different addition expressions that have the same value, using four different single-digit numbers. For example, do not use 2 + 2 = 2 + 2.

14.Explain why adding the same amount to both sides of an equation keeps it balanced. Use a number example in your explanation.