Equations show that two things are equal, using an equal sign =.
2 - 1 = 1
An equation is like a scale.
Just like scales, equations are called balanced when both sides of the equals sign have the same value.
6 - 4 = 5 - 3
Is this equation is balanced? 🤔
We need to simplify both sides to see.
Tip: "simplifying" means doing any operations like plus or minus to turn it into a simple number.
We can simplify 6 - 4 to 2.
We can also simplify 5 - 3 to 2.
Yes, this equation is balanced! Both sides equal 2. 😀
How do we find the missing number that will keep this equation balanced?👇
18 - 5 = __ - 3
First, let's simplify.
Solve the side that isn't missing a number.
Nice! That makes things easier 👍
Now, let's think. 🤔 Are we missing a part or the total?
We're missing the total.
The total is the bigger number that we can take away 3 from to get 13.
How do we find the total, when we know the parts?
👉 We add the parts together! 😺
So what's 13 + 3?
It's 16!
Now, we know the missing number is 16.
Let's go back to the original equation and plug in 16:
18 - 5 = 16 - 3
Is it balanced?
13 = 13
Yes! After simplifying, we see that both sides equal 13!
Great work! 😺
Now, ace the practice. You'll learn more and remember for longer.