equal vs equal to

equal is a noun but equal to is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
equal	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
equal to	No	Yes	No	No

equal (noun)	equal to (noun)
a person who is of equal standing with another in a group

equal (adjective)	equal to (adjective)
having the same quantity, value, or measure as another	having the requisite qualities for
having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task

equal (verb)	equal to (verb)
make equal, uniform, corresponding, or matching
be identical or equivalent to
be equal to in quality or ability