ClassX Video Lessons Grade Grade 2 What is an Equal Sign? | How to Add and Subtract | Khan Academy Kids
Have you ever wondered what the equal sign means? It’s a simple symbol, but it has an important job in math. The equal sign tells us that the things on both sides of it are the same. Let’s explore this idea with a fun example!
Imagine you have an equation with an equal sign in the middle. On one side of the equal sign, you have the number six. On the other side, you have the numbers four and two. When you add four and two together, you get six. So, both sides of the equal sign have the same value, which is six.
This means the equal sign is telling the truth because both sides are equal. It’s like a balance scale where both sides weigh the same. That’s why we use the equal sign in math—to show that two things are the same or balanced.
Understanding the equal sign helps us solve math problems correctly. It reminds us to make sure both sides of an equation are equal. This is a key idea in math, and it helps us learn more about numbers and how they work together.
So, next time you see an equal sign, remember it’s there to show that both sides are the same. It’s like a little math detective making sure everything is balanced and fair!
Balance Scale Activity: Create a simple balance scale using a hanger and some string. Hang the hanger on a doorknob or a hook. Use small objects like blocks or coins to represent numbers. Ask the children to place objects on both sides of the hanger to make it balance, just like the equal sign balances both sides of an equation. Discuss how the objects on each side need to be equal for the hanger to stay level.
Equation Matching Game: Write simple equations on index cards, such as “3 + 2 = 5” or “4 = 2 + 2”. Mix them up and ask the children to match the cards that show equal values on both sides of the equal sign. Encourage them to explain why the equations are true, reinforcing the concept of balance and equality.
Equal Sign Detective: Encourage the children to become “equal sign detectives” in their everyday lives. Ask them to find examples of equal things around them, like two equal halves of a sandwich or two matching socks. Have them draw or take pictures of their findings and share them with the class, explaining how they know both sides are equal.
