Worked Example 1
Both Sides Are Sums
Is 35 + 18 = 36 + 17 true or false?
- 1Left side: 35 + 18 = 53
- 2Right side: 36 + 17 = 53
- 3Both sides have the same value. (You can also see that 36 is 1 more than 35 and 17 is 1 less than 18.)
Answer: True
Florida Grade 2 Math · Algebraic Reasoning
MA.2.AR.2.1: True or False Equations
What this Grade 2 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.
Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC
What Is Benchmark MA.2.AR.2.1?
Students decide whether an addition or subtraction equation is true or false and explain why. Equations have three or four numbers, and the sum or difference can be on either side of the equal sign.
The big idea is the meaning of the equal sign: it means both sides have the same value. It does not mean "the answer comes next."
Official benchmarkDetermine and explain whether equations involving addition and subtraction are true or false.
How it is tested: Grade 2 students take FAST Star Math, Florida's math test for Kindergarten through Grade 2.
Worked Examples
Worked Example 2
A Sum and a Difference
Is 50 − 20 = 20 + 20 true or false?
- 1Left side: 50 − 20 = 30
- 2Right side: 20 + 20 = 40
- 330 and 40 are not the same value.
Answer: False
Common Mistakes to Watch For
Thinking the answer must come right after the equal sign
Wrong:14 = 9 + 5 is false because the answer is on the left.
The equal sign means both sides have the same value. 9 + 5 is 14, so 14 = 9 + 5 is true.
Reading the equal sign as "the answer is"
Wrong:8 + 4 = 12 + 3 is true, because 8 + 4 is 12.
Compare both whole sides: 8 + 4 is 12, but 12 + 3 is 15. The equation is false.
Helpful Math Tip
Write equations in different shapes, like 9 = 4 + 5 or 6 + 4 = 5 + 5, and ask "true or false?" A balance scale is a great picture of the equal sign: both sides must weigh the same.
Related Grade 2 Skills
Make Florida Math Practice More Fun
Help your child build math confidence with original interactive questions aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. Mathematics Standards.
Start Practicing FreeIndependent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.