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PlayOwl

Mathematics · Grade 1

True Equations and Missing Values

The equal sign means 'is the same amount as', not 'the answer comes next'. Learners decide whether equations such as 7 = 8 − 1 and 4 + 1 = 5 + 2 are true or false, find unknown numbers in any position (5 = ☐ − 3), and balance equations with operations on both sides (4 + 5 = 3 + ☐).

  • 3 lessons
  • About 60 minutes
  • Equations check: 8 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, match pairs, type a number, sort into groups and true or false
See plans Included with Family, Teacher and School plans. Open in PlayOwl

What learners will discover

  • Explain that = means 'is the same amount as' and decide whether an equation is true or false, including equations with the answer on the left or operations on both sides.
  • Find the unknown number in an addition or subtraction equation, wherever it is (8 + ☐ = 11, 5 = ☐ − 3, ☐ − 4 = 9).
  • Find the missing number that makes both sides of an equation equal, such as 4 + 5 = 3 + ☐.

Lessons

  1. The equal sign 5 steps3 practiceabout 20 min
  2. Missing numbers anywhere 5 steps3 practiceabout 20 min
  3. Balance both sides 5 steps2 practiceabout 20 min
  4. Equations check 8 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Number-Line HopHelp the frog hop to the right number — from counting to negative fractions.
  • Paint by AnswersSolve each space, dip your brush and watch a picture come to life.
  • Number TrainAll aboard! Load exactly the right number of animals onto the train.

More 1st grade math

Guide for grown-ups