The scale is balanced - both sides weigh the same.
One side shows known weights, the other side has an empty box.
Work out how heavy the empty box must be so both sides match.
Example
- 5
For parents
What does this exercise practice?
The balance puzzle practices equation thinking without letters - the child recognizes that both sides of a balance scale must always weigh the same and derives the missing weight from that.
Common pitfalls
First add up all the known weights on one side, then compare with the other side. Whoever looks at just a single weight easily overlooks a second weight on the same side.
How to practice at home
Act it out at home with a toy scale or simply two equal-sized boxes, working out which weight is missing on which side.
Related: Weights, Break apart