1st Grade · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
1.OA.D.7: Understand the meaning of the equal sign
1.OA.D.7 is a 1st grade Common Core math standard in Operations & Algebraic Thinking. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Understand the meaning of the equal sign, and determine if equations involving addition and subtraction are true or false. For example, which of the following equations are true and which are false? 6 = 6, 7 = 8 - 1, 5 + 2 = 2 + 5, 4 + 1 = 5 + 2.
In plain words
Understand the meaning of the equal sign.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
Is 3 + 4 = 7 true or false?
- True
- False
- Maybe
Where students can get stuck
- Calling 7 = 8 - 1 false or "backward" because the answer is on the left instead of at the end.
- Checking only part of an equation, calling 4 + 1 = 5 + 2 true because 4 + 1 does make 5.
- Filling in 3 + 5 = ? + 6 with 8, the answer to the left side, instead of 2, which makes both sides equal.
Effective teaching strategies
- Draw a balance with 7 on one pan and 8 − 1 on the other, and ask whether it balances, so the equal sign means “is the same amount as” to students.
- Write 4 + 1 = 5 + 2 and ask students to work out each side separately, then tell whether the two amounts match.
- Give 3 + 5 = ? + 6 and have students find the value of the left side first, then ask what number added to 6 matches it.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 1.OA.D.7 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read What the equal sign really means for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice problem solving at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free for every family.
See how it works for teachers
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.