BALANCING MATH EQUATIONS WITH SHAPES

An equation is like a set of balanced scales. Both sides are equal. Look at the scale on the right.

On one side are 4 black triangles and 3 grey triangles.

On the other side, we have a problem 4 + 3.

Is this a balanced equation?

Yes, because they both represent 7.

Make these scales balance by adding the missing value.

Problem 1 :

Solution :

On one side, we have a problem 5 + ?

On other side there are 5 black circles and 4 grey circles.

Number of balls in the right side is, 5 + 4 = 9.

5 + 4 = 9

It is a balanced equation.

Problem 2 :

Solution :

On one side, there are 5 black diamonds and 3 grey diamonds.

On the other side, we have a problem 5 +?.

5 + 3 = 8

It is a balanced equation.

These scales have number problems on each side. One side has a complete problem. On the other side, you need to work out the missing value. Write the value on the box so that the scales balance:

Problem 3 :

Solution :

On one side, we have a problem 5 ×?.

Let us think 5 should be multiply by what number in order to get 30.

5 × 6 = 30

On the other side is problem 19 + 11 = 30

It is a balanced equation.

Problem 4 :

Solution :

On one side, we have a problem 18 + ?.

18 should be added by what number in order to get 36.

18 + 18 = 36

On the other side, we have 50 - 14 = 36. So, It is a balanced equation.

Problem 5 :

Solution:

On one side, we have 5 × 9 = 45

On the other side is problem ? + 15.

15 should be added by what number in order to get 45.

30 + 15 = 45

It is a balanced equation.

Problem 6 :

Solution :

On one side, we have ? - 5.

So, we have to think 5 should be subtracted from what number in order to get 5.

10 - 5 = 5

On the other side, the problem is 35 ÷ 7 = 5

It is a balanced equation.

Problem 7 :

Solution :

On one side, we have 9 ×?.

9 should be multiplied by what number in order to get 81.

9 × 9 = 81

On the other side is problem 100 - 19 = 81

It is a balanced equation.

Problem 8 :

Solution :

On one side, we have 33 ÷ 3 = 11

On the other side, the problem is 22 - ?.

22 should be subtracted from what number in order to get 11.

22 - 11 = 11

It is a balanced equation.