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Reading +, −, and = symbols

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Mathematics›Addition & Subtraction|Ages 5—6|ID: mt_8RmpkDxT9L

Read, write, and interpret the symbols +, −, and = in number sentences

Mastery Evidence

  • Read 3 + 2 = 5 aloud as 'three plus two equals five'
  • Write a number sentence to match a concrete addition situation
  • Interpret the = sign as 'is the same as' rather than just 'the answer is'

Assessment Prompt

“If you write '4 + 3 = 7' on paper, can [child] tell you what the plus sign, minus sign, and equals sign each mean?”

Curriculum Standards2 alignments

K.OA.1Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Represent Addition and Subtraction

Represent addition and subtraction with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings, sounds (e.g., claps), acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations.

Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Maths/Y1/AS/1The national curriculum in England
Read and write addition and subtraction statements

Read, write and interpret mathematical statements involving addition (+), subtraction (–) and equals (=) signs.

Mathematics · Key Stage 1

Prerequisites3

Show full prerequisite tree
  • Reading and writing numbers to 20 hard

    Writing number sentences requires reading and writing numerals

    • How Many in Total? hard

      Reading/writing numerals 0–20 requires understanding that numerals represent quantities (cardinality)

      • One-to-one counting hard

        Cardinality principle builds on one-to-one correspondence — you must count correctly to know the last number tells 'how many'

    • Writing digits 0-9 hard

      Writing numerals requires the motor skill of forming digits 0-9 (taught in English handwriting)

  • Addition as combining or putting together two hard

    Reading/writing the + symbol requires understanding what addition means

    • How Many in Total? hard

      Understanding addition as combining groups requires knowing numbers represent quantities (cardinality)

      • One-to-one counting hard

        Cardinality principle builds on one-to-one correspondence — you must count correctly to know the last number tells 'how many'

  • Subtraction as taking away or separating hard

    Reading/writing the − symbol requires understanding what subtraction means

    • How Many in Total? hard

      Understanding subtraction as taking away requires knowing numbers represent quantities (cardinality)

      • One-to-one counting hard

        Cardinality principle builds on one-to-one correspondence — you must count correctly to know the last number tells 'how many'

Unlocks4