Balancing Math Equations
Worksheets & Help

Welcome to the Math Salamanders Balancing Math Equations Worksheets.

Here you will find a wide range of free printable Worksheets, which will help your child learn how to balance an equation, with the amount on either side of the equal sign being the same value.

Balancing Math Equations

What is a balanced equation?

A balanced equation is an equation where both sides are equal to the same amount.

balanced equation image

The answer to the expression on the left side of the equals sign (=) should be equal to the value on the right side of the equals sign.

In an unbalanced equation, either the left hand side of the equation has a greater value than the right hand side, like the example below.

unbalanced equation 1 image

Or the right hand side of the equation has a greater value than the left side, like the example below.

unbalanced equation 2 image

How to balance math equations

When you balance an equation, you make sure that both sides of your equation are equal to the same value.

Balancing equations is a great way to start your algebra journey without having to worry about algebraic expressions or letters.

Much of what you learn when you are balancing equations, you will need to draw on when you are doing algebra and solving equations.

How to balance a mathematical statement

Step 1) Find the value of the side of the equation without any missing numbers.

Step 2) Make sure the value on the other side of the equation is equal to this value.

Examples

Example 1) 7 x ___ = 20 + 8

Step 1) Work out the value on the right hand side: 20 + 8 = 28

Step 2) The value on the left hand side must equal this number: 7 x 4 = 28 so the missing value must be 4.

Answer: the missing value is 4.

 

Example 2) 5 x 7 = 50 - ___

Step 1) Work out the value on the left hand side: 5 x 7 = 35

Step 2) The value on the right hand side must equal this number: 50 - 15 = 35 so the missing value must be 15.

Answer: the missing value is 15.

Balancing Math Equations Worksheets

Balancing Math Equations Worksheets 3rd Grade

The first worksheet is the most basic, with only a single value on the right hand side.

The 2nd worksheet involves addition and subtraction only.

The 3rd and 4th worksheets are more challenging and include multiplication and larger numbers.

Balancing Math Equations Worksheets 4th Grade

These worksheets get progressively trickier: the first sheet involves +, - and x only.

The second sheet includes division, and the 3rd sheet involves harder values.

The 4th sheet involves balancing fraction expressions.

Balancing Math Equations Worksheets 5th Grade

All the worksheets in the 5th grade section involve balancing decimal equations.

The 1st sheet only involves addition and subtraction.

The 2nd sheet involves multiplication as well as addition and subtraction.

The 3rd sheet involves using all 4 operations.

Balanacing Equations Sheet 4A Walkthrough Video

This short video walkthrough shows the problems from our Balancing Equations Sheet 4A being solved and has been produced by the West Explains Best math channel.

If you would like some support in solving the problems on these sheets, check out the video!

More Recommended Math Worksheets

Take a look at some more of our worksheets similar to these.

Inequalities, Multiples and Factors

If you are looking for some more pre-algebra worksheets based around inequalities, multiples or factors, then take a look at this page.

The questions on this page are aimed at a 4th grade level.

PEMDAS Problems Worksheets

The sheets in this section involve using parentheses and exponents in simple calculations.

There are also lots of worksheets designed to practice and learn about PEMDAS.

Using these worksheets will help your child to:

  • know and understand how parentheses works;
  • understand how exponents work in simple calculations.
  • understand and use PEMDAS to solve a range of problems.

Basic Algebra Worksheets

If you are looking for some basic algebra worksheets to use with your child to help them understand simple equations then try our selection of basic algebra worksheets.

There are a range of worksheets covering the following concepts:

  • Generate the algebra - and write your own algebraic expressions;
  • Calculate the algebra - work out the value of different expressions;
  • Solve the algebra - find the value of the term in the equation.

Algebra Math Games

If you are looking for a fun printable algebra game to play then try out our algebra game page.

You will find a range of algebra games that make learning algebra fun and non-threatening.

The only equipment you need is a scientific calculator, some dice, and a few counters!

Interactive Balancing Activity

Take a look at this Balancing Act app produced by PhET.

This a great activity to use for developing an understanding of where objects need to be put along a plank to make it balance.

The closer the object is to the center of the plank, the less the downward force on the plank will be.

The further the object is from the center of the plank, the greater the downward force on the plank will be.

Balancing Math Equations Online Quiz

Our quizzes have been created using Google Forms.

At the end of the quiz, you will get the chance to see your results by clicking 'See Score'.

This will take you to a new webpage where your results will be shown. You can print a copy of your results from this page, either as a pdf or as a paper copy.

For incorrect responses, we have added some helpful learning points to explain which answer was correct and why.

We do not collect any personal data from our quizzes, except in the 'First Name' and 'Group/Class' fields which are both optional and only used for teachers to identify students within their educational setting.

We also collect the results from the quizzes which we use to help us to develop our resources and give us insight into future resources to create.

For more information on the information we collect, please take a look at our Privacy Policy

We would be grateful for any feedback on our quizzes, please let us know using our Contact Us link, or use the Facebook Comments form at the bottom of the page.

This quick quiz tests your skill at balancing a range of equations. It is aimed at 4th and 5th graders.

 

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The Math Salamanders hope you enjoy using these free printable Math worksheets and all our other Math games and resources.

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