PSLE Math: Mistakes in Usage of Equal and Arrow Symbols
Many pupils are not sure when to use equal and arrow symbols in Math questions.
Precious half-mark can be deducted whenever the arrow or equal symbol is used wrongly in a Math exam paper.
This article shows you some examples on how to use the symbols correctly.
Percentage
| Wrong examples | Correct examples |
| 50% = 24 | 50% → 24 Reason: 50% converted to fraction is 1/2 and 1/2 is not equal to 24. These are two different values. |
| 50% = 24 ÷ 100 = 0.24 | 50% → 0.24 However, the equal symbol is used correctly when it is used as follows: 50% of my savings = $24 |
Rate
| Wrong examples | Correct examples |
| 5 painters = 25 hours | 5 painters → 25 hours Reason: Number of painters is not equal to number of hours. These are two different variables. They cannot be equal. We can only use arrow to represent.
|
| 1 painter | 1 painter However, the equal symbol is used correctly when it is used as follows: Number of hours spent by 1 painter = 20 hours |
Fractions
| Wrong examples | Correct examples |
| 1/2 = 24 | 1/2 → 24 Reason: 1/2 is not equal to 24. These are two different values. They are not equal. |
| 1/2 = 24 ÷ 100 = 0.24 | 1/2 → 24 ÷ 100 = 0.24 However, the equal symbol is used correctly when it is used as follows: 1/2 of my savings = $24 |
Units
| When it comes to units, it is recommended to use the equal symbol. For example, 5 units = 50 |
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