Solving Equations with Balance Scales
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can solve one-variable linear equations by manipulating a balance scale to maintain equality.
Part 1 of 3
Warm-up video
mathantics · 11:08Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by mathantics on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 3
Practice
7 questions
Explain in your own words why it is essential to perform the same operation on both sides of an equation to maintain equality. Use the balance scale analogy to support your explanation.
Solve for x: 3x - 7 = 2x + 5. Show each step you take to isolate x and explain the reasoning behind each operation.
Part 3 of 3
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Solve for x: x + 12 = 25. Show the operation you perform on both sides. Solve for y: 33 = y - 9. Show the operation you perform on both sides. ”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson
