What an equation means
An equation is a balance: both sides are worth the same.
Planned. This module is part of the plan and is not written yet.
Why it matters
A market scale balances when both sides weigh the same; an equation is that same idea written with numbers.
Draft outline · in review- For
- Level 5–6 · Primary 5 to Primary 6
- Inside
- 5 lessons and a test · about 60 minutes
- Topic
- Linear equations · foundation, 1 of 4
Inside the module.
5 lessons in order, about 60 minutes in all, then a short test. Learners go at their own pace; the minutes are a guide, not a timetable.
Draft outline · in review
Lesson 1: The balance
Use a balance scale to see that an equation says two amounts are equal.
Explain15 min, from minute 0
Lesson 2: Missing numbers
Find the box in statements such as □ + 4 = 10 and 3 × □ = 12.
Worked example15 min, from minute 15
Lesson 3: Checking
Put an answer back into the equation to see whether both sides match.
Practice15 min, from minute 30
Lesson 4: Make your own
Write a balance puzzle for a partner and check their answer.
Practice10 min, from minute 45
Lesson 5: Review
Mixed questions, with feedback on each.
Review5 min, from minute 55
End-of-module test
Explain what an equation means, find missing numbers, and check solutions by putting them back into the equation.
Mastered at 85% or more. Retake it until you pass; nothing is lost, and each try gives feedback.
Already know it? A Challenge Test (planned) clears the whole module: 90% overall, no objective below 75%.
Last stageafter about 60 min
Practicalities
Draft outline · in reviewBuilt to run offline
Planned to run on the Lantern's own computer, with no internet needed.
Languages
Planned first in English; every module aims to reach all of the Lantern's languages.
Try a question.
One question from the module, as a learner would meet it. Have a go, then open the worked solution a step at a time.
Draft outline · in review
Find the missing number: □ + 9 = 23. Then check your answer.
Work it out on paper first, then show the answer and mark it yourself.
Particulars
Where it sits
What a learner can do after it
- Explain that an equation says two amounts are equal, like a balanced scale.
- Find a missing number in a statement such as □ + 4 = 10.
- Check a solution by putting it back into the equation.
Needs first
Level
Level 5–6 · Primary 5 to Primary 6
Level mappings are approximate. A qualified teacher or lecturer in each country must check them before they appear in the app.
Difficulty for its level
1 of 4 · Foundation
Time
About 60 minutes
Alignments
- Aligned to NERDCintroduces · in reviewNERDC Primary 6 Mathematics: open sentences (descriptive ref)
- Aligned to Common Corepartial · in review6.EE.B.5
Alignment in review until a qualified teacher or lecturer checks it. No exam body, university or vendor endorses us; learners still sit the real exam.
Challenge Test
Planned: a Challenge Test to prove you know it and skip it. Pass at 90% overall, with no objective below 75%.
University courses it previews
Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Physics
On these pathways
The route here.
Everything this module builds on, drawn as a route from its foundations. Solid lanes must be mastered first, or cleared by a Challenge Test; dashed lanes are suggestions that never lock anything.
- MA-ARI-OPS-01Adding and subtractingMaths · Primary 1 to Primary 3 (Level 1–3) · Planned
- MA-ARI-OPS-02Multiplication as equal groupsMaths · Primary 2 to Primary 3 (Level 2–3) · Sample lesson in the demo Needs Adding and subtracting (required).Try the sample lesson: Multiplication as equal groups
- MA-ARI-OPS-03Division as sharing and groupingMaths · Primary 3 to Primary 4 (Level 3–4) · Planned Needs Multiplication as equal groups (required).
- MA-ARI-OPS-04Multiplying and dividing togetherMaths · Primary 3 to Primary 4 (Level 3–4) · Planned Needs Division as sharing and grouping (required).
- MA-ARI-ORD-01Order of operationsMaths · Primary 5 to Primary 6 (Level 5–6) · Planned Needs Multiplying and dividing together (required).
- MA-ALG-LIN-01What an equation meansMaths · Primary 5 to Primary 6 (Level 5–6) · Planned · the destination Needs Order of operations (required).
Help light the room where this is learned.
Every route on this map starts in a classroom with 24 stations, a tutor that works offline and a facilitator upstairs. Four are planned and waiting for light.