Balance Scale Worksheet
1st Grade Math • Resource Room Support
Balancing Sums & Differences
Name:
Date:
Equal Sign Rule (=)
The equal sign (=) means both sides have the exact same value. It stays balanced!
Left Side = Right Side
1 Number Sentence: 4 + 3 = 10 - 3
Use cubes or drawings
Left Side: 4 + 3 Draw 4 dots, then 3 dots
Total Value:
Right Side: 10 - 3 Draw 10 dots, cross out 3
Total Value:
Are both values the same?
TRUE (Balanced)
FALSE (Not Balanced)
Reason: Both sides equal
2 Number Sentence: 5 - 4 = 3 + 6
Use cubes or drawings
Left Side: 5 - 4 Draw 5, cross out 4
Total Value:
Right Side: 3 + 6 Draw 3 dots, then 6 dots
Total Value:
Are both values the same?
TRUE (Balanced)
FALSE (Not Balanced)
If FALSE, fix it: Make the right side equal 1: 5 - 4 = (or write a new true sentence)
Turn the page for Problem 3 and Problem 4 • Keep your unifix cubes ready!
2
Balancing Sums & Differences • Page 2
Remember: Equal means the same amount on each side!
3 Number Sentence: 9 + 1 = 1 + 9
Ten-Frame / Addend Check
Left Side: 9 + 1 Draw 9 dots and 1 more
Total Value:
Right Side: 1 + 9 Draw 1 dot and 9 more
Total Value:
Are both values the same?
TRUE (Balanced)
FALSE (Not Balanced)
Clue: The numbers just swapped order!
4 Number Sentence: 9 + 2 = 13 - 1
Use cubes or drawings
Left Side: 9 + 2 Draw 9 dots and 2 more
Total Value:
Right Side: 13 - 1 Draw 13 dots, cross out 1
Total Value:
Are both values the same?
TRUE (Balanced)
FALSE (Not Balanced)
If FALSE, fix it: Left is 11. Make the right side 11: 13 - = 11 So: 9 + 2 = 13 - 2
My Math Checklist: I used Unifix cubes or counters I checked both sides
How was this work? 😊 Easy 🤔 Just Right 💪 Needed Help
