- Definition
An equation is like a balanced scale, showing that two mathematical statements have the same value, with an "equals" sign (=) in the middle.
3 + 1 = 4 is an equation because both sides have the same value.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: An equation is like a seesaw — both sides need to be balanced to be equal.
Ask your child: If one side is 2 + 2, what's on the other side?
Common mix-up: Kids often think the equal sign means 'and the answer is.' The equal sign is a balance symbol, showing that what's on the left has the same value as what's on the right.
Examples
- 5 = 2 + 3 is also an equation.
- 2 + 2 = 1 + 3 is an equation because both sides equal 4.
equation is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 1 Mathematics
- Grade 2 Mathematics
- Grade 4 Mathematics
- Grade 5 Mathematics
- Grade 6 Mathematics
- Grade 7 Mathematics
+4 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
