Use a balanced equation to calculate unknown parts
You can use a balanced equation to calculate unknown parts.
Use a balanced equation to calculate unknown parts
You can use a balanced equation to calculate unknown parts.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- I've added __ to this part so I need to subtract __ from the other part to keep the sum the same.
- I've subtracted __ from this part so I need to add __ to this part to keep the sum the same.
- A balance beam can represent equivalent expressions.
Keywords
Equation - An equation is used to show that one number, calculation or expression is equal to another.
Expression - An expression contains one or more values, where each value is separated by an operator. Two or more expressions with the same value can be separated by an equals sign to create an equation.
Whole - The whole is all the parts or everything, the total amount.
Part - A part is some of the whole.
Common misconception
Often, pupils understand the equals symbol to be a big reveal or a 'ta-da!' rather than a symbol denoting equivalence. This can make the idea of a balanced equation tricky.
Explore pupils' understanding of the equal sign at the start of the lesson. For children who still find it a tricky concept, make use of bucket scales and plasticine to explore equivalence.
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Use a balanced equation to calculate unknown parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Use a balanced equation to calculate unknown parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Use equivalence and compensation to simplify and solve addition calculations unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
