1.5.E
The Standard
understand that the equal sign represents a relationship where expressions on each side of the equal sign represent the same value(s)
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare the value on each side of an equal sign. They decide whether an equation is true and complete equations so both sides have the same value.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly identify true and false equations with expressions on either side. They can find a missing number that makes both sides have the same value.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think the equal sign means “write the answer next.” They may accept 7 = 4 + 3 but reject 4 + 3 = 7 or 5 + 2 = 6 + 1.
How to Assess It
- Give the exit ticket: “Circle every true equation: 8 = 5 + 3, 4 + 2 = 2 + 4, 7 = 3 + 3. Explain one choice.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build 6 with linking cubes in two different ways, place the trains on opposite sides of an equal sign, and compare them.
Ask, “Is 3 + 4 = 5 + 2 true?” Have students draw both sides and explain their answer to a partner.
Play Equation Match: students pair cards such as 8, 5 + 3, and 4 + 4 when they show the same value.
Set up two pretend shopping bags with equal totals, then have students choose price cards that keep both bag totals equal.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- 6.7.D
generate equivalent expressions using the properties of operations: inverse, identity, commutative, associative, and distributive properties
- 1.2.G
represent the comparison of two numbers to 100 using the symbols >, <, or =
- 6.7.C
determine if two expressions are equivalent using concrete models, pictorial models, and algebraic representations
- 4.3.D
compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators and represent the comparison using the symbols >, =, or <
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