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Balancing Equations

Maths: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 7.3.1

Balancing Equations

A balanced equation means that both sides of an equal sign (=) are equal.

Balanced equation

Balanced equation

  • You have a balanced equation when both sides of an equal size are equal.
Balanced equation 2

Balanced equation 2

  • You can also have a balanced equation with a calculation on both sides of an equal sign.
Missing numbers in equations

Missing numbers in equations

  • You need to find out how to balance the equation when there is a missing number on one side.
Step 1

Step 1

  • First, you need to work out 35 + 27.
  • 35 + 27 = 62
  • You can then replace 35 + 27 with 62 because they are equal.
Step 2

Step 2

  • Ask yourself: what do you add to 18 to get 62?
  • 62 = 18 + 44
Balanced equation

Balanced equation

  • We now have a balanced equation.
  • 35 + 27 = 44 + 18

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