Balance Scales

Solve linear equations and inequalities on balance scales with x parcels, weights and balloons: do the same to both sides and follow each step.

Open the app

Free, runs in the browser, no sign-in or installation.

Subject
Mathematics
Area
Algebra and Functions
Level
Primary and secondary school
Balanced scales showing 3x − 2 = x + 4 with x parcels, weights and −1 balloons

What you can do

  • Type your own equation or inequality, or get a new one at five levels, from ax + b = c to inequalities where the sign turns.
  • Do the same to both sides: add or take away 1 or x, divide, remove zero pairs, swap sides or change everything to its opposite.
  • Click an object to take it off one side only and watch the scales tip; every step is listed and can be undone.
  • For inequalities, try values of x from −8 to 8: each turns green if the inequality holds and red if not, so the boundary shows.
  • In Explore mode, set the parcel mass and add objects to either side; download the scales with the equation as a PNG.

Pictures in the Gallery4

Ready-made pictures made in this app, to download as PNG.

Worksheets and lessons

Lessons with worksheets that use this app.

More apps: Algebra and Functions

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