The balance-sheet cheat

Step 1 · Predict

1. 2x + 3 = 112. 2x = 11 (took the 3 off the left)3. x = 5.5

Step 2 · Experiment

Solve 2x + 3 = 11 yourself

Each bag holds the same secret number, x. Get one bag alone on a pan — but keep the balance level!

x bag (x) weight (+1) balloon lifts (−1)

Share both pans into equal groups, keep one:

Step 3 · Observe

Gappu solves 5x − 4 = 3x + 6 one line at a time. No balance this time — judge each line, then see the balance.

Step 4 · Explain

Gappu copied these rules from somewhere. Some are wrong. Mark each one.

In your own words (optional, your teacher will see this):
Explain to Gappu why x = 5.5 was wrong.

Step 5 · Transfer

New equations every time. Your first try counts. Imagine the balance!