Balance addition equations – one digit

key notes :

⚖️ What is a Balance Equation?

  • A balance equation is like a see-saw.
  • Both sides of the equation must weigh the same.
  • Example: 3 + 2 = 5 ✅

➕ Adding on Both Sides

  • Whatever you add to one side, you must add to the other side to keep it balanced.
  • Example:
    2 + __ = 4 → 2 + 2 = 4 ✅

❌ Do Not Break the Balance

  • If one side changes and the other does not, the equation is not balanced.
  • Example: 1 + 3 ≠ 2 + 2 ❌

🔢 Steps to Solve

  1. Count the number on one side.
  2. Find the number needed to make both sides equal.
  3. Fill in the blank.
  • Example: __ + 4 = 6 → 2 + 4 = 6 ✅

💡 Tip for Fun Learning

  • Use fingers, counters, or toys to check the balance.
  • Draw a see-saw picture to visualize it.

🎨 Practice with Emojis

  • Example: 🍎 + 🍎 = 🍎 + 🍎 ✅
  • Example: 🍌 + __ = 🍌 + 🍌 → 1 🍌 ✅

🏆 Remember:

  • Balance means equal.
  • Addition makes numbers grow, but both sides must stay equal.

Learn with an example

Which number makes the equation true?

2 + 3 = 4 + ___

First, add 2 + 3:

2 + 3 = 4 + ?

5 = 4 + ?

Decide which number makes the addition number sentence true. You can think of an addition fact you know, or you can subtract to find the answer.

The addition fact is:

4 + 1 = 5

Did you remember this addition fact? If not, you can find the answer by subtracting.

Subtract:

5 − 4 = 1

The missing number is 1.

Which number makes the equation true?

8 + 3 = ____ + 4

First, add 8 + 3 :

8 + 3 = ? + 4

11 = ? + 4

Decide which number makes the addition number sentence true. You can think of an addition fact you know, or you can subtract to find the answer.

The addition fact is :

7 + 4 = 11

Did you remember this addition fact? If not, you can find the answer by subtracting.

Subtract:

11 − 4 = 7

The missing number is 7.

Which number makes the equation true?

3 + 2 = 1 + ___

First, add 3 + 2 :

3 + 2 = 1 + ?

5 = 1 + ?

Decide which number makes the addition number sentence true. You can think of an addition fact you know, or you can subtract to find the answer.

The addition fact is :

1 + 4 = 5

Did you remember this addition fact? If not, you can find the answer by subtracting.

Subtract :

5 − 1 = 4

The missing number is 4.

Let’s practice!🖊️