Grade 2, Operations

Balance the equation

Find the number that makes both sides of the equal sign the same.

Three levels

One skill, rising difficulty

Each sheet carries one level. The three are the same skill at rising difficulty, each named for what it practises.

Level 1: Sums to 10
Make both sides equal. Write the missing number.
Level 2: Sums to 20
Make both sides equal. Write the missing number.
Level 3: Add and subtract
Make both sides equal. Write the missing number.

Worked example

How the sheet explains it

The helper printed at the top of each sheet: one solved example and the steps a student follows, before the first question. Every number sentence in it is proven by the same checker as the answer key.

Level 1: Sums to 10

5 + 3 = 2 + 6

  1. Work out the side you know: 5 + 3 = 8.
  2. The other side must make 8 too: 2 + 6 = 8.
  3. So 5 + 3 = 2 + 6.

Level 2: Sums to 20

8 + 6 = 10 + 4

  1. Work out the side you know: 8 + 6 = 14.
  2. 10 and what make 14? 10 + 4 = 14.
  3. So 8 + 6 = 10 + 4.

Level 3: Add and subtract

9 − 2 = 4 + 3

  1. Work out the side you know: 9 − 2 = 7.
  2. 4 and what make 7? 4 + 3 = 7.
  3. So 9 − 2 = 4 + 3.

Goes with

Reference sheets

One-page helpers a student keeps beside this sheet:

  • Addition and subtraction strategies
  • Solving equations
  • Greater than, less than and equal

Every reference, facts and support sheet is listed in the worksheet catalogue.

In the BC curriculum

Content standards

The British Columbia content standard this skill is written for, by the codes used across this site:

  • bc.math.2.c.7

The wording of each standard is on the Province's mathematics curriculum page.

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Back to all worksheets by grade, or read the Grade 2 guide to what this grade learns in British Columbia.