Understand the idea.
Equal means the same amount
Equal groups have the same number of objects in each group. Count each group to check. Colour, size of the space, and how far apart the objects sit do not tell you how many objects are there.
Make and check groups
Sometimes you know how many belong in each group; make that many each time. Sometimes you know how many groups to make; give each group one object in turn. Finish by checking that all groups have the same number.
See the method in action.
Make groups of three
Arrange nine counters into groups with three in each.
Worked solution
- 1
Put three counters in the first group.
Each group must contain exactly three counters.
- 2
Make another group of three, then a third.
Three groups use all nine counters, with none left outside.
- 3
Check the size and count the groups.
Each group has three, so the three groups are equal.
3 equal groups of 3 counters.
Two equal groups
Arrange ten counters into two equal groups.
Worked solution
- 1
Make two spaces for the groups.
The question fixes the number of groups at two.
- 2
Give each group one counter in turn.
Five complete rounds use all ten counters and give five to each group.
- 3
Compare the two shares.
Both groups have five counters, so they are equal.
2 groups of 5 counters.
Try it yourself.
Check your understanding
One group has four counters and another has four. Are they equal?
Show answer & reasoning
Yes.
Yes. Both groups contain four counters. Their numbers match, so they are equal even if the counters are arranged differently.
Keep practising
6 worksheet questions
Read the questions online
- One group has three beads and another has five. Are the groups equal?
- Draw two equal groups with four counters in each.
- Arrange six counters into groups of two. How many groups?
- Arrange eight counters into two equal groups. How many in each?
- Two groups have five and three counters. Move one counter to make them equal. Describe the move.
- Show two different equal-group arrangements of twelve counters.
Read the worked solutions
- One group has three beads and another has five. Are the groups equal?
Three and five are different amounts.
No. - Draw two equal groups with four counters in each.
Check that both groups contain four.
Two groups, each with 4 counters. - Arrange six counters into groups of two. How many groups?
Make two, another two, then another two.
3 groups. - Arrange eight counters into two equal groups. How many in each?
Give one to each group repeatedly until all eight are used.
4 counters. - Two groups have five and three counters. Move one counter to make them equal. Describe the move.
Both groups then have four.
Move one from the group of five to the group of three. - Show two different equal-group arrangements of twelve counters.
Each arrangement uses twelve counters with equal groups. Accept other correct arrangements.
For example, 3 groups of 4 and 4 groups of 3.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Practical Year 1 grouping and equal sharing with whole objects.
Official curriculum source ↗