1st Grade The Equal Sign and Word Problems Lesson (Free PDF)
This equations word problems lesson for 1st Grade covers the equal sign and word problems (Common Core 1.OA.A.2, 1.OA.D.7, 1.OA.D.8), with a free PDF to print.
The equal sign means both sides are the same amount, like a balance scale that is level. An equation is true when both sides name the same number, such as 6 + 2 = 9 – 1. A question mark can stand for a missing number in any spot. You can add three numbers by making 10 first.
Grade 1 · Common Core State Standards: 1.OA.A.2, 1.OA.D.7, 1.OA.D.8
Key facts in this equations word problems lesson
- The equal sign = means is the same amount as.
- An equation is true when both sides have the same value.
- The unknown ? can be the first number, the second number, or the answer.
- To add three numbers, look for two that make 10 and add them first.
- A word problem becomes an equation with ? for the missing number.
What does the equal sign mean?
The equal sign = tells you that two sides have the same amount. Think of a balance scale. When both pans hold the same amount, the scale is level.
How can you tell if an equation is true or false?
Work out each side. If both sides name the same number, the equation is true. Look at \(6 + 2 = 9 – 1\). The left side is 8. The right side is 8. So it is true.
Now look at \(4 + 3 = 9\). The left side is 7, but the right side is 9. So it is false.
How do you find the unknown number?
A ? hides a number. The ? can be in any spot: \(7 + ? = 12\), \(? + 6 = 14\), or \(13 = ? + 4\). Ask: what number makes both sides equal?
Example: Find ? in \(7 + ? = 12\). Count up from 7 to 12 on a number line. The hop is 5. So ? is 5.
How do you add three numbers?
- Look for two numbers that make 10.
- Add those two first.
- Add the last number to the 10.
Example: \(6 + 4 + 5\). First \(6 + 4 = 10\). Then \(10 + 5 = 15\). The sum is 15. You can add numbers in any order and get the same sum.
How do you solve a word problem?
Read the story. Draw the parts and the whole. Write an equation with ? for the missing number. Then solve it.
Example: Mia had 9 stickers. Her friend gave her some more. Now she has 14. The equation is \(9 + ? = 14\). Since \(14 – 9 = 5\), her friend gave her 5 stickers.
Equations word problems lesson: questions and answers
What does the equal sign mean in first grade?
It means both sides have the same amount. It does not only mean that the answer comes next. In 5 = 2 + 3, both sides are 5.
How do you know if an equation is true?
Find the value of the left side and the value of the right side. If they match, the equation is true. If they do not match, it is false.
How do you find the missing number in 8 + ? = 15?
Count up from 8 to 15 or subtract 15 – 8. The hop is 7, so the missing number is 7.
Can the question mark be at the start of an equation?
Yes. In ? + 4 = 11 the missing number is first. Think what plus 4 makes 11. The answer is 7.
What is the easiest way to add three numbers?
Look for two numbers that make 10, such as 6 and 4. Add them first, then add the third number to 10.
How to use this equations word problems lesson
Read the definitions first, then follow the worked method line by line and redo the example on paper without looking. When every step makes sense, move on to the worksheet, then check yourself with the quiz.
Download the equations word problems lesson as a PDF with the button below and keep it with your notes.
All Grade 1 chapters: Grade 1 math.
