X Tables
Maths History

The equals sign story

Explain how the equals symbol became a shorthand for equality.

Quick answer

The equals sign (=) was invented in 1557 by a Welsh mathematician called Robert Recorde. He used it to show that two things are the same or equal, so he didn’t have to keep writing “is equal to” over and over again.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand what the equals sign means and how it helps us show that two amounts are the same. Success signs:
  • You can explain what the equals sign shows
  • You can use the equals sign in simple maths problems
  • You can spot the equals sign in everyday life
  • You can tell a friend about the history of the equals sign

Why this matters

The equals sign makes maths easier to write and read. Before it was invented, people had to write long phrases like "is equal to" every time they wanted to show that two things are the same. Now we can write 5 + 3 = 8 instead of "five plus three is equal to eight". This helps us solve problems faster and makes our maths look neater. The equals sign is also used in many other parts of life, like recipes, science experiments, and even in games.

How it works

The equals sign is like a balance scale. If you put two things on each side of a scale and they weigh the same, the scale will be balanced. The equals sign shows that the two sides have the same value. Let’s break it down step by step:
  1. First, we have two groups of things or numbers
  2. Then, we put an equals sign between them
  3. The equals sign tells us that the two sides are equal
For example:
  • 2 + 3 = 5
  • 10 ÷ 2 = 5
  • 4 × 3 = 12

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some simple examples to understand how the equals sign works. Example 1: Counting Imagine you have 3 apples and your friend has 3 apples. You both have the same number of apples. 3 apples = 3 apples Example 2: Adding You have 4 toy cars and your sister gives you 2 more. 4 + 2 = 6 The equals sign shows that 4 plus 2 is the same as 6. Example 3: Sharing You have 10 cookies and you want to share them equally with 2 friends. 10 ÷ 2 = 5 Each person gets 5 cookies. Example 4: Arrays If you arrange 3 rows of 4 blocks, you have 12 blocks in total. 3 × 4 = 12 Example 5: Time If you start your maths homework at 3 o’clock and finish at 4 o’clock, you spent 1 hour. 3 + 1 = 4

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Equal Kingdom You are a brave explorer in a magical land called the Equal Kingdom. In this kingdom, everything must be fair and equal. You have a bag of 6 red marbles and a bag of 6 blue marbles. You need to show that both bags have the same number of marbles. 4th time: You take 2 red marbles and 2 blue marbles and put them on a balance scale. 5th time: The scale balances perfectly. You write it down: 2 red marbles = 2 blue marbles You continue this journey and find more equal things:
  • 5 green apples = 5 yellow apples
  • 3 blue pens = 3 red pens
  • 8 stars = 8 hearts
You collect all these equal pairs and write them down in your explorer’s notebook. When you return home, you can show your family how you discovered the magic of the equals sign!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Using the equals sign to show a calculation is finished. Why it happens: Some children think the equals sign means "here’s the answer". Fix: Explain that the equals sign shows balance. If 3 + 2 = 5, then 5 = 3 + 2 is also true.
  • Mistake: Writing 3 + 4 = 7 + 2 = 9. Why it happens: Children may think the equals sign connects everything in a line. Fix: Use brackets or separate equations: 3 + 4 = 7 and 7 + 2 = 9.
  • Mistake: Not understanding that the equals sign means "the same as". Why it happens: Confusion between the equals sign and a signal to write the answer. Fix: Use visual aids like scales or objects to show balance.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Using the equals sign in daily conversations, like “3 + 2 = 5”
  • Playing simple balance games with toys or food
  • Reading books or stories about maths history
  • Practising simple equations together
  • Encouraging children to explain their thinking
What to say:
  • “Can you show me how 3 + 2 is the same as 5?”
  • “What happens if we switch the sides of the equation?”
  • “Can you find something at home that is equal to this?”
What not to worry about:
  • Children may make mistakes at first – that’s normal
  • They don’t need to memorise the history yet
  • Focus on understanding the meaning, not just the symbol

Practice questions

  1. Fill in the missing number: 4 + 3 = ?
  2. Write an equation that shows 6 + 2 = 8
  3. Which is correct: 5 + 5 = 10 or 5 + 5 = 11?
  4. How many apples are in 2 bags if each bag has 3 apples? Write the equation.
  5. Write an equation using the equals sign for: 10 ÷ 2 = 5
Answers:
  1. 7
  2. 6 + 2 = 8
  3. 5 + 5 = 10
  4. 2 × 3 = 6
  5. 10 ÷ 2 = 5

FAQ

What does the equals sign mean?

The equals sign means "the same as" or "equal to". It shows that two amounts or expressions have the same value.

Who invented the equals sign?

The equals sign was invented by Robert Recorde, a Welsh mathematician, in 1557.

Why did Robert Recorde invent it?

He invented it because he was tired of writing "is equal to" over and over again in his maths books.

How can I use the equals sign in my daily life?

You can use it when you are sharing food, counting toys, or solving puzzles. For example, if you have 5 sweets and your friend has 5 sweets, you can write 5 = 5.

Can the equals sign be used in science?

Yes! Scientists use the equals sign to show that measurements or results are the same. For example, if you measure 100ml of water and it equals 100ml of water, you write it as 100ml = 100ml.