Balance Scale Equations

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Date:

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. A balance shows: Left pan = 5 counters. Right pan = 2 counters + a box (□). What is the value of □?

2. You remove 1 counter from the left pan. To keep the scale balanced you must:

add 1 counter to the right pan

remove 1 counter from the right pan

double the counters on the right pan

do nothing to the right pan

3. Which number sentence shows a balanced scale?

2 + 3 = 5

4 + 1 = 6

3 + 2 = 6

1 + 4 = 6

4. True or false: If both sides of a number sentence are equal, the balance scale shows level (balanced).

True

False

5. Write the number sentence for this scale and find the missing value: Left pan = 3 counters. Right pan = 1 counter + □.

6. Two identical boxes on the left balance 8 counters on the right. Find the number in one box. Show your working.

7. Write an equation and solve: Left pan = 7 counters. Right pan = 3 counters + □.

8. In one sentence, explain why we must do the same thing to both sides of a balance scale when solving an equation.