Five pages on what the equal sign really means: both sides have the same value. Page 1 puts an expression on each pan of a balance scale, such as 3 × 4 and 6 + 6: students write the value of each side under its pan and circle equal or not equal, with a worked example first. Page 2 has twelve equations with the equal sign in different places, like 24 = 4 × 6 and 18 − 9 = 3 × 3, to mark True or False, including the classic trap 3 × 5 = 15 + 2. On page 3 students find the value of both expressions in fourteen pairs and write = or ≠ in the box between them. Page 4 has fourteen equations with a missing number, like 4 × 5 = __ + 10, each with exactly one answer. Page 5 matches five products with sums and differences of the same value, then asks whether Mia, Leo and Ana are right and why.
Before page 1, set up a real pan balance with cubes: put 3 groups of 4 on one side and 6 + 6 on the other and watch it balance, then change one side. Read 3 × 5 = 15 + 2 aloud on page 2 and ask the class to find the value of each side before anyone answers. Page 5 makes a good partner talk: one student argues Mia is right, the other checks both sides.
Say an equation out loud, like "2 times 6 equals 4 times 3", and ask whether it is true. Then let your child make up a tricky one for you. Coins or snacks in two piles work well to show that both sides have the same value.
This pack supports the following Common Core State Standards for Mathematics:
© Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.
A 5-page equal sign pack for 3rd grade. Find the value of each side of a balance scale and circle equal or not equal, circle True or False for equations with expressions on both sides, like 5 × 4 = 10 + 10 and 3 × 5 = 15 + 2, write = or ≠ between two expressions, write the missing number that gives both sides the same value, match expressions with the same value, and decide whether three children are right. Every page comes in color and in black and white. Answer keys included.
Tell us what to make next, or build your own with a worksheet maker.
This worksheet is free to download, print, copy, and hand out in your classroom or at home. You do not need to create an account, and there are no watermarks on the PDF.
