- Definition
Equivalent" means two things are the same in value or amount, even if they look different.
The expression 2 + 3 is equivalent to 5 because they both have the same value.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Equivalent is like having the same weight of blocks on both sides of a balance scale so they are perfectly level.
Ask your child: Can you show me the number 5 in a different way using your fingers?
Common mix-up: Kids may think equivalent means 'looks exactly the same.' The key idea is that two things can look very different but still have the same amount or value.
Examples
- A group of 2 red blocks and 3 blue blocks is equivalent to a group of 5 green blocks.
- A nickel is equivalent to five pennies.
equivalent is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+5 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 ↗
