To balance the scale, add 16 to the left side of the equation. The balanced equation is 12 + 16 = 2 + 7 + 3 + 16, resulting in 28 = 28.
To balance the scale, find the number to add on the left side of the equation. The equation is currently:
![\[ 12 + \_\_ = 2 + 7 + 3 + 16 \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2024/formulas/mathematics/high-school/iypmzldg94a6032buwuektgyc17ocnr15v.png)
Combine the numbers on the right side:
![\[ 12 + \_\_ = 28 \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2024/formulas/mathematics/high-school/rcig2fbn85nkcz9ne0esow6dq331lad3t1.png)
Now, subtract 12 from both sides to find the value of the blank:
![\[ \_\_ = 28 - 12 \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2024/formulas/mathematics/high-school/r6x3sudjqzzgjgjcx0r31ga2ymykc4luhs.png)
![\[ \_\_ = 16 \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2024/formulas/mathematics/high-school/mnyoabppy6oju18rkwxjzhb4s4d732iyna.png)
Therefore, adding 16 to the left side of the equation will balance the scale:
12 + 16 = 2 + 7 + 3 + 16
The balanced equation is:
28 = 28
The probable question may be:
This scale was balanced. Find the number to add that makes the scale become balanced again. Then complete the equation to make it true.
12 + __ = 2+7+3+16