Keeping the Equation Balanced
Student Summary
If we have equal weights on the ends of a hanger, then the hanger will be in balance. If there is more weight on one side than on the other, the hanger will tilt to the heavier side.
We can think of a balanced hanger as a representation for an equation. An equation says that the expressions on each side have equal value, just like a balanced hanger has equal weights on each side. This hanger could be represented by a+2b=5b.
If we have a balanced hanger and add or remove the same amount of weight from each side, the result will still be in balance. Here, we remove 2 triangles from each side, which is like subtracting 2b from each side of the equation to get a=3b.
In the same way that adding or subtracting the same shapes on each side of a hanger keeps it in balance, adding or subtracting the same value to each side of an equation creates an equivalent equation.
Visual / Anchor Chart
