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Basic 2 · Mathematics · Number Operations

Equal and Not Equal

In this topic you will use the signs = and ≠ to compare number sentences up to 100.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

  • Explain the meaning of = and ≠
  • Decide if two sides are equal
  • Solve problems using equal and not equal

What you already know

  • Order in adding

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand
Number
Sub-strand
Number Operations
Indicator
B2.1.2.2.1 – Use the concept of "equal to" and "not equal to" to solve addition and subtraction problems with sums up 100

Introduction

Kofi has 5 red blocks. Ama has 7 yellow blocks. Do they have the same number? No. 5 is not equal to 7.

1. The Signs

Equal and not equal
SignMeaningExample
=equal to, the same as6 + 4 = 10
≠not equal to, not the same as5 ≠ 7
Five red blocks and seven yellow blocks with the not-equal sign between them
Figure 1: 5 is not equal to 7 Draw blocks to show 4 ≠ 6.Illustration: Sirbus

2. Checking Both Sides

Example

Is 20 + 15 = 40 – 5?

  1. Left side: 20 + 15 = 35
  2. Right side: 40 – 5 = 35

Answer: 35 = 35, so they are equal.

Example

Is 30 + 12 = 50?

  1. Left side: 30 + 12 = 42
  2. 42 is not 50.

Answer: 30 + 12 ≠ 50

Remember: Work out each side before deciding.

New words

equal
The same amount.
not equal
Not the same amount.
sign
A mark that tells us something.
compare
To see how things are alike or different.

Summary

  • = means equal to; ≠ means not equal to.
  • Work out both sides, then compare.
  • 20 + 15 = 40 – 5 because both are 35.

Class activity: Equal or Not?

  1. Make two groups of bottle tops.
  2. Count each group.
  3. Put the card = or ≠ between them.

You need: Bottle tops, Bundles of sticks, Exercise books

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. What does ≠ mean?

    • A. Not equal to
    • B. Equal to
    • C. Add
    • D. Take away
    Show answer
    Answer: Not equal toIt shows two amounts are different.

  2. 2. Which is true?

    • A. 10 + 5 = 20 – 5
    • B. 10 + 5 = 20
    • C. 15 ≠ 15
    • D. 20 – 5 = 10
    Show answer
    Answer: 10 + 5 = 20 – 5Both sides make 15.

  3. 3. 8 + 2 = 10

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: True8 + 2 makes 10.

  4. 4. 25 + 25 ≠ 50

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: False25 + 25 = 50.

  5. 5. 16 ______ 61 (write = or ≠)

    Show answer
    Answer: ≠16 and 61 are different numbers.

  6. 6. Is 45 – 15 equal to 10 + 20? Show your work.

    Show answer
    Answer: 45 – 15 = 30 and 10 + 20 = 30, so they are equal.Both sides are 30.

Homework

  1. Write two number sentences with = and two with ≠.