Work out each side on its own. If both sides make the same number, the equation is true. The = sign means “is the same as”, not “here comes the answer”.
equationa number sentence with an equal sign
equal signshows both sides are worth the same
expressionnumbers and signs with no equal sign
trueboth sides are worth the same
Watch for: Working out only the left side and treating the right side as the answer. Judging by looks instead of working it out: 3 × 5 = 7 × 2 is false. A slip on one side that makes a true equation look false.
At home: Say equations aloud and let your child judge: is 4 × 5 = 10 + 10 true? What about 6 × 3 = 20 − 3?
Sample sheet and answer key
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 4 · True or false equations · MA.4.AR.2.1
NameDate
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
True or false?
The = sign means both sides are worth the same.
18 − 8 = 2 × 5TrueFalse
33 − 5 = 34 − 8TrueFalse
27 − 9 = 36 − 18TrueFalse
9 × 4 = 26 + 10TrueFalse
11 − 2 = 16 − 7TrueFalse
58 − 17 = 52 − 12TrueFalse
10 × 3 = 37 − 6TrueFalse
45 − 6 = 8 × 5TrueFalse
Say why
Work out each side. Same value? Then it's true.
6 × 3 = 32 − 16left sideright sideTrueFalse
2 × 5 = 5 × 2left sideright sideTrueFalse
7 × 7 = 33 + 16left sideright sideTrueFalse
4 × 3 = 2 × 5left sideright sideTrueFalse
Fix it
Each one is false. Change one number to make it true.
22 + 5 = 81 − 53
320 ÷ 8 = 19 + 11
88 − 52 = 2 × 23
15 × 2 = 30 − 2
Who is right?
Work out both sides, then circle the name.
Max says 25 − 9 = 2 × 9 is true; Luna says false.MaxLuna
Orion says 86 − 14 = 8 × 9 is true; Luna says false.OrionLuna
Max says 43 − 15 = 9 × 3 is true; Nova says false.MaxNova
Sheet
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 4 · True or false equations · MA.4.AR.2.1
Answer key
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
True or false?
The = sign means both sides are worth the same.
18 − 8 = 2 × 5TrueFalse
33 − 5 = 34 − 8TrueFalse
27 − 9 = 36 − 18TrueFalse
9 × 4 = 26 + 10TrueFalse
11 − 2 = 16 − 7TrueFalse
58 − 17 = 52 − 12TrueFalse
10 × 3 = 37 − 6TrueFalse
45 − 6 = 8 × 5TrueFalse
Say why
Work out each side. Same value? Then it's true.
6 × 3 = 32 − 16left side18right side16TrueFalse
2 × 5 = 5 × 2left side10right side10TrueFalse
7 × 7 = 33 + 16left side49right side49TrueFalse
4 × 3 = 2 × 5left side12right side10TrueFalse
Fix it
Each one is false. Change one number to make it true.
22 + 5 = 81 − 5322 + 5 = 81 − 54
320 ÷ 8 = 19 + 11320 ÷ 8 = 19 + 21
88 − 52 = 2 × 2388 − 52 = 2 × 18
15 × 2 = 30 − 215 × 2 = 30 − 0
Who is right?
Work out both sides, then circle the name.
Max says 25 − 9 = 2 × 9 is true; Luna says false.MaxLuna
Orion says 86 − 14 = 8 × 9 is true; Luna says false.OrionLuna
Max says 43 − 15 = 9 × 3 is true; Nova says false.MaxNova
Answer key
New problems every time, three levels (gentle, core and stretch), themes to pick from, a second page if you want one. Each sheet comes with an answer key and a one-page guide for grown-ups.
