The equals sign (=) is used to show that two things are equal in value.

 

6 × 4 = 24 and 8 × 3 = 24

 

So we can say that

 

6 × 4 = 8 × 3  without saying that they both come to 24.

 

 

Example 1

True or false?

56 ÷ 7 = 10 - 3 + 2

 

Answer

Work out each side separately.

56 ÷ 7 = 8

10 - 3 + 2 = 7 + 2 = 9

 

They are not equal, so the statement was FALSE.

 

 

Example 2

True or false?

100 ÷ 4 = 5 × 5

 

Answer

Work out each side separately.

100 ÷ 4 = 25

5 × 5 = 25

 

They are equal, so the statement was TRUE.