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Year 1 Calculation - Symbols
One plus one equals two.

Year 1 Calculation - Symbols

In KS1 Maths, symbols are little helpers. They show add, take away, and equals. Brackets group numbers so we know which part to work out first.

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Fascinating Fact:

Brackets ( ) in stories can group numbers, like a lunchbox. Work inside first: (2 + 3) + 1 = 6.

In KS1 Maths, symbols such as + (add), − (take away), = (equals), and brackets ( ) help us read number sentences clearly. Practise with quick examples and try our fun Numeracy Game to spot which symbol belongs where.

  • Symbol: A sign that shows what to do in maths, like +, −, or =.
  • Equals (=): Means the two sides have the same value, e.g. 4 + 2 = 6.
  • Brackets ( ): Group part of a calculation to do first, e.g. (1 + 2) + 3.
What do the main KS1 maths symbols mean?

+ means add, − means take away, and = means equal. Brackets ( ) group numbers to show which part to work out first.

Do I always solve brackets first?

Yes. In KS1, when you see brackets, work out the part inside ( ) before the rest of the number sentence.

How can I teach equals (=) to my child?

Use balance ideas: 3 + 2 on one side and 5 on the other. Show they are the same amount, so 3 + 2 = 5.

Question 1
Which symbol is missing from this calculation:
4 ? 1 = 3
÷
=
+
-
Subtracting 1 from 4 gives an answer of 3
Question 2
Which symbol could be used instead of the words in brackets?
5 (minus) 5 = 0
x
=
+
-
Minus is another way of saying subtract or take away
Question 3
Which symbol is missing from this calculation:
3 ? 6 = 9
+
-
=
x
If you add 3 and 6, the answer is 9
Question 4
What does this symbol mean: -
Multiplication
Addition or adding
Subtracting or subtraction
Division
This symbol is used in subtraction calculations, such as 5 - 3 = 2
Question 5
Which symbol could be used instead of the words in brackets?
5 + 4 (is equal to) 9
+
=
-
x
This symbol means 'is equal to' or 'is the same as'
Question 6
Which symbol is missing from this calculation:
6 - 2 ? 4
x
+
=
-
6 - 2 is equal to, or the same as 4
Question 7
Which symbol could be used instead of the words in brackets?
5 (plus) 5 = 10
-
=
+
÷
Plus is another word for add
Question 8
What is wrong with this number sentence:
7 + 3 = 4
The addition sign should be a subtraction sign
The addition sign is in the wrong place
The equal sign is in the wrong place
The numbers are too small
If you change - for +, the answer becomes correct
Question 9
What does this symbol mean: =
My answer is
Is equal to or the same as
Dividing
Multiplying
Many people think this symbol means 'is the answer' but it really means 'is equal to'
Question 10
What does this symbol mean: +
Adding or addition
Subtracting or subtraction
Is the answer
Is the same as
It is used when numbers are added together, for example 4 + 5 = 9
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Adding and subtracting

Author:  Angela Smith (Primary School Teacher & KS1 Quiz Writer)

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