The equation balance

Solve equations by keeping a see-saw level.

Interactive

The math, with your numbers

2\textcolor{#8b5cf6}{x} + 3 = 11

Each purple box weighs the same unknown amount x. Each orange block weighs 1.

Try this

→Solve the puzzle using only moves that keep the scale level.
→Remove a weight from the left side only. What happens to the 'equals' sign?
→Try a new puzzle. Can you always do 'remove the loose weights' first, then 'split into groups'?

Want to know why it behaves like this?

The lesson “Equations Are Balances” explains it step by step: How do I 'solve' for something without being good at math?

The equation balance

Solve equations by keeping a see-saw level.

The equation balance

Interactive

The math, with your numbers

2\textcolor{#8b5cf6}{x} + 3 = 11

Each purple box weighs the same unknown amount x. Each orange block weighs 1.

Try this

→Solve the puzzle using only moves that keep the scale level.
→Remove a weight from the left side only. What happens to the 'equals' sign?
→Try a new puzzle. Can you always do 'remove the loose weights' first, then 'split into groups'?

Want to know why it behaves like this?

The lesson “Equations Are Balances” explains it step by step: How do I 'solve' for something without being good at math?