Equal means same
Two groups are equal when they have the same number. Their objects may look different, but the count matches.
=
Class 2 Maths · Chapter 1 · Topic 1-3
Equal and Unequal
Compare groups, numbers and number sentences. Equal means the amounts are the same; unequal means they are different. Look carefully, count fairly and explain how you know.
20CHALLENGES
First, learn the idea
When are things equal?
Count both sides and compare carefully.
Unequal means different
Groups are unequal when one has more or fewer than the other. The not-equal sign is ≠.
≠
Both sides must balance
A number sentence is equal when both sides have the same value. Work out each side before deciding.
left = right
Same amount
Four green counters and four yellow counters
4=4
Both groups have 4. The groups are equal.
Different amounts
Five counters and three counters
5≠3
5 is more than 3, so the groups are unequal.
Count each side
Touch or point to each object once. Check that you did not skip or count one twice.
Compare the totals
Ask: are the totals the same, or is one greater? For number sentences, find each side’s value.
Choose and explain
Use = for same and ≠ for different. Say what you counted or worked out.
Remember: Equal groups do not have to look alike. Five red blocks and five blue blocks are still equal because both groups contain five.
Try it in different ways
20 Equal-or-Unequal Challenges
Choose or type an answer, check it, then open the short solution.
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