Equality means that the value of the expression on each side of an addition equation is the same, so a missing number can be determined by comparing quantities, using known sums, or applying addition–subtraction relationships. This includes equations with whole numbers within 1,000, such as a missing addend or expressions on both sides of the equal sign, and develops the understanding that the equal sign does not mean “the answer comes next”; more general algebraic equations and non-whole-number cases are beyond this scope.
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- Learn “Balance addition equations” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Balance addition equations” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Balance addition equations you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Balance addition equations” from different perspectives.
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Detailed Explanation: Balance addition equations
An equal sign means both sides have the same value. To find a missing number, first find the value of the side that is complete. Then find what number makes the other side equal.
Example:
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Add the numbers on the right:
So the equation becomes:
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Ask: What number added to 27 makes 36? Use subtraction:
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Put in the box:
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Check both sides:
Both sides equal , so is the missing number.
Learn by doing: Balance addition equations
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Practice:
Addition - Balance Equation - Two Digit, Two Terms
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Download/Modify Free Grade 3 'Balance addition equations' Worksheet
Print this free 'Balance addition equations' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Addition - Balance Equation - Two Digit, Two Terms
- Addition - Balance Equation - Two Digit, Three Terms
- Addition - Missing Value, 2 Digit, 2 Numbers
- Addition - Missing Value, 2 Digit, 1 Number
- Addition - Missing Value, 1 Digit, 1 Number
- Addition - Balance Equation - One Digit, Two Terms
- Addition - Balance Equation - One Digit, Three Terms
- Addition - Missing Value, 1 Digit, 2 Numbers
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Balance addition equations) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.