A scale has weights on the left and on the right. The heavier side goes down.
If both sides weigh the same, the scale stays balanced in the middle.
Convert both sides into grams and compare them.
Example: On the left there is 1 kg, on the right two times 500 g.
1 kg is 1000 g, and two times 500 g is also 1000 g. The scale is balanced.
Example
- Balanced
- left heavier
- right heavier
- left heavier
For parents
What does this exercise practice?
Compare weights in grams and decide which side is heavier or whether it balances.
Common pitfalls
Children often compare only the number of weights instead of their weight. Two times 100 g is lighter than one 1 kg. Convert to grams first.
How to practice at home
Weigh things at home with a kitchen scale and guess beforehand which side is heavier.
Related: Compare lengths, Fair sharing