Signing Math Equations

By Brenda Cartwright
Sunday, August 4, 2024

This article is written by Brenda Cartwright (BC). Brenda is a Coda, seasoned interpreter, a master teacher and a well known author. BC also contributes numerous blog articles for Signing Savvy. Look for them on the “Articles” tab on our website.

Signing Space When Signing Math Equations

It is important to think about your signing space when signing math equations. You will use only your dominant hand when signing. Start with your dominant hand on the non-dominant side of your body to make room for signing the whole math equation across the front of your body. As you sign, you will move from the non-dominant to the dominant side of your body, moving as you sign each new part of the equation.

Parts of Signing Math Equations

To sign a math equation, you sign it just as you read it:

1st - Sign the first quantity (number) and item name (if needed).
2nd - Sign the math operation (plus, minus, divided by, or times).
3rd - Sign the second quantity (number) and item name (if needed).
Repeat steps 2 and 3 if there are more parts to the equation before the total.
4th - Sign EQUALS.
5th - Sign the total number and item name (if needed).

Examples of Signing Math Equations

Example: 1 + 2 = 3

Example: 3 ORANGES + 3 ORANGES = 6 ORANGES

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About the Author

Brenda Cartwright is a Coda, seasoned interpreter, a master teacher, well known presenter, and author of several best selling sign language and interpreting textbooks from the RID Press. For 35 years Brenda was the Chair of the Sign Language Interpreter Program at Lansing Community College in Lansing, Michigan.