We use number sentences to represent problems in mathematics. Watch this video to see how.
When you see the equal sign it means both sides have to balance. A number sentence is like a set of scales. To keep it balanced, both sides need to equal the same number. Look at the picture below. We can see there are 5 blocks on one side and 5 blocks on the other, so it is balanced.
When the two sides of the number sentence are equal we say the statement is true.
Example: Fill in the missing number to make the number sentence true.
$4+2=3+\editable{}$4+2=3+
The missing number must be $3$3.
True or false?
$6+2=8$6+2=8
True
False
Complete the number sentence:
$10+\editable{}=18$10+=18
Complete the number sentence:
$5+7=8+\editable{}$5+7=8+