Equation Balance — Fibo Math Lab

⚖️ Equation Balance

Skill goal: understand that an equation is a balanced scale — whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other.

Observe

The scale below shows 2x + 3 = 11. Both pans hold exactly the same value, so the beam is level. What happens the moment you touch only one side?

Manipulate

x-block = x unit block = 1

Step log

    Predict

    Before you change it, what do you think will happen? If you add +1 to only the left side, which way will the scale tip? What if you then add +1 to the right side too?

    See

    Left side
    2x + 3
    Right side
    11
    Scale
    Balanced

    Explain

    Why it works: the equals sign means the two sides have exactly the same value — like a level scale. Adding or removing blocks from only one side tips it, but doing the same operation on both sides keeps it level. When a single x-block stands alone on one side, you can read the solution straight off the other pan.

    Challenge

    Solve the equation on the scale (isolate x), then type the value of x and press Check.

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