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➕ Plus, Minus, and Equals Signs

Meet the symbols +, −, and = and learn to read and write number sentences like 3 + 2 = 5, matching them to things you can count.

3
lessons
~15 min
to learn
🔢 Math
subject
Ages 6–12
level
Start the course →

What you’ll learn

  1. The Plus SignRead and understand the plus sign (+) in addition sentences.The plus sign, +, means 'add' or 'put together'. We read it as 'plus', so 3 + 2 is 'three plus two'. Whenever things come together, the plus sign shows up — it's a shortcut for adding groups.
  2. The Minus SignRead and understand the minus sign (−) in subtraction sentences.The minus sign, −, means 'take away' or 'subtract'. We read it as 'minus', so 5 − 2 is 'five minus two'. Plus and minus do opposite jobs: plus puts together, minus takes away.
  3. The Equals SignRead the equals sign (=) and write and interpret number sentences.The equals sign, =, means 'is the same as'. In 3 + 2 = 5, it shows both sides are equal. Putting numbers and signs together makes a number sentence like 3 + 2 = 5, read 'three plus two equals five', which can capture a whole story.

Questions this course answers

What does the plus sign + mean?

The plus sign means to add, or put groups together.

What does the minus sign − mean?

The minus sign means to take away, or subtract.

Which sign would you use for 'eat some cookies'?

Eating some means taking away, so you use the minus sign −.

What does the equals sign = mean?

The equals sign means 'is the same as' — both sides are equal.

How do you read the number sentence 3 + 2 = 5?

3 + 2 = 5 is read 'three plus two equals five'.

Grounded in trusted sources

  • Khan Academy Kids
  • PBS Kids — early math
  • NAEYC — early math learning
  • Britannica Kids

Every Wunder lesson is built from real, reputable sources — never invented.

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