Balance Equations - Up to 20
⚖️ Who broke the seesaw? There is a piece missing, and the equals sign is tipping over! Use your math weight to put the missing number in and balance both sides.
Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.
Concept
Equations with math on BOTH sides of the equals sign look scary, but they are just balancing puzzles.
🎯 The "Fix the Seesaw" Trick: Puzzle: 6 + 4 = ___ + 3
1. Solve the Solid Side: Look at the side of the equals sign that has no blanks. The left side says "6 + 4". Let's solve it: 6 + 4 = 10. 2. Find the Target: Because the left side equals 10, the right side MUST ALSO equal 10 to balance the seesaw! 3. Solve the Blank Side: The right side says "___ + 3". We need that to equal 10. So, what + 3 = 10? The answer is 7! 4. Action: Put the 7 in the blank. 6 + 4 = 7 + 3. Both sides equal 10! Balanced!
Try it
Balance the seesaws!
Instructions: Solve the solid side first. Then figure out what number the blank side needs to match it perfectly!
Problem 1: 5 + 5 = ___ + 2 * Solve solid side (5+5): ___ * Target is 10! What plus 2 equals 10? * Answer: ___
Problem 2: 12 - 4 = ___ + 1 * Solve solid side (12-4): ___ * Target is 8! What plus 1 equals 8? * Answer: ___
Problem 3: 8 + 6 = 20 - ___ * Target is 14! 20 minus what equals 14? * Answer: ___
Problem 4: ___ + 5 = 15 - 3 * Answer: ___