Equivalent Expressions

In math, the first graders have been thinking about equivalent equations. We now know that equations (or number sentences) can go in many different ways. Here are some examples: 6+4=10, 4+6=10, 10=6+4, and 10=4+6. At first, our students were confused by seeing the total as the first number in the equation, but now we understand that it makes sense!

First graders have also been thinking about balanced equations. For example, we know that 4+6=5+5 or that 5+5=7+3. Test your child at home by asking if an equation is true or false! Or, have your child fill in the missing number of an equation! Here are some examples...

True or False

3 + 3 = 5 + 1

7 + 3 = 4 + 6

2 + 7 = 5 + 7


___ + 8 = 3 + 5

9 + 1 = 8 + ___

2 + ___ = 6 + 5