Basic Math Symbols

Basic math symbols and their meanings

In order to succeed in math, children should learn and review basic math symbols. They are an essential foundation to understand mathematical disciplines. There are many important math symbols in basic arithmetic, like the plus (+), minus (-) and equals (=) signs.

The plus sign (+) is used when you want to add two or more numbers together to find a sum. For example, if you had two apples and then received three more apples, you could use the plus sign to write out an equation and find the sum: 2 + 3 = 5. Two plus three equals five apples.

The minus sign (-) is used when you want to subtract one or more numbers from another number. It can also be placed in front of a number to indicate that it has a negative value. For example, if you had $10.00 and spent $6.50 on lunch, you could use the minus symbol to subtract, to find out how much money you had left over: $10.00- $6.50 = $3.50. To express that a number is negative, or less than zero, you would simply place the minus sign in front of the number. For example, negative four would read: -4. This number is four less than zero.

The equals sign (=) is used in equations to show that one side of the problem is the same as the other. For instance, if you have seven apples and seven oranges, you know that you have exactly the same number of each kind of fruit. It can be written like this: 7 = 7. The equals sign also denotes balance in an equation: 3 + 4 = 7. Both sides of the equation add up to seven, so they are equal.

With a better understanding of basic math symbols, like the plus (+), minus (-) and equals (=) signs, children will be able to use their basic math skills to understand more complex mathematical symbols and equations. You can quiz children on these symbols using flash cards, games, and other techniques. You can also encourage them to develop their own math problems implementing the symbols.