Equations are mathematical statements that show two expressions are equal. They use an equal sign (=) to connect both sides.
An equation always has two sides that balance. Both sides must represent the same value.
An equation has numbers, operations (like +, −, ×, ÷), and an equal sign (=). If there is no equal sign, it is not an equation.
Always look for the equal sign (=) to decide if something is an equation.
Sometimes an equation has a missing number, shown with a box (□) or a letter. To solve, find the number that makes both sides equal.
Check your answer by putting the number back into the equation to see if both sides are equal.
Equations can represent real-world situations. Translate the problem into numbers, operations, and an equal sign.
Underline key numbers in the problem to help write your equation correctly.
After solving, always check your work. Both sides of the equation must have the same value to be correct.
Checking helps you catch mistakes and build confidence in your answers.