Balancing Math Equations
Worksheets & Help

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

We welcome any comments about our site or worksheets on the Facebook comments box at the bottom of every page.