Work out each side on its own, doing × and ÷ before + and −. The same value on both sides means true. To fix a false one, change one number so the sides match.
equationtwo expressions joined by =
equal signboth sides are worth the same
trueboth sides have the same value
order of operations× and ÷ before + and −
Watch for: Working 19 + 8 × 2 from left to right to get 54 instead of 35. Treating = as “the answer comes next” and checking only one side. Fixing a false equation by changing more than one number.
At home: Write one true and one false equation, like 6 × 4 = 30 − 6 and 6 × 4 = 30 − 5, and let your child find the false one.
Sample sheet and answer key
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 5 · True or false equations · MA.5.AR.2.3
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.
245 ÷ 5 = 84 − 35TrueFalse
8 + 3 × 5 = 23TrueFalse
66 + 28 = 72 + 6 × 4TrueFalse
4 + 3 × 6 = 42TrueFalse
5 + 5 × 4 = 40TrueFalse
5 × 7 = 23 + 13TrueFalse
33 − 14 = 16 + 3TrueFalse
9 + 4 × 6 = 33TrueFalse
21 + 39 = 70 − 8TrueFalse
7 + 6 = 104 ÷ 8TrueFalse
Say why
Work out each side. Same value? Then it's true.
43 + 31 = 4 × 19left sideright sideTrueFalse
6 + 2 × 6 = 48left sideright sideTrueFalse
56 − 14 = 378 ÷ 9left sideright sideTrueFalse
59 + 2 = 67 − 6left sideright sideTrueFalse
54 + 9 × 3 = 87 − 6left sideright sideTrueFalse
Fix it
Each one is false. Change one number to make it true.
0.2 + 2.5 = 4.5 − 2
2.7 ÷ 9 = 0.3 + 0.1
2.4 ÷ 4 = 0.1 × 7
0.8 + 1.6 = 12.5 ÷ 5
Sheet
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 5 · True or false equations · MA.5.AR.2.3
Answer key
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Each one is false. Change one number to make it true.
0.2 + 2.5 = 4.5 − 20 + 2.5 = 4.5 − 2
2.7 ÷ 9 = 0.3 + 0.12.7 ÷ 9 = 0.3 + 0
2.4 ÷ 4 = 0.1 × 72.4 ÷ 4 = 0.1 × 6
0.8 + 1.6 = 12.5 ÷ 50.8 + 1.6 = 12 ÷ 5
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.
