Question

The balanced scale represents the equation: 3x + 1 = x + 3

If one x block is subtracted from the right side and three numbered blocks are subtracted from the left side. What process will

balance the scale?


subtract one x block from the left side and subtract three numbered blocks

from the left side


subtract one x block from the left side and subtract three numbered blocks

from the right side


subtract one x block from the right side and subtract'three numbered

blocks from the left side


subtract one x block from the right side and subtract three numbered

blocks from the right side

Answer 1

1 block is required in the process to balance the scale

Explanation:

In order to get the process that will balance the scale, we need to solve the given expression for x as shown;

3x + 1 = x+ 3

Subtract x from both sides

3x+1-x = x+3 - x

3x - x + 1 = 3

2x + 1 = 3

Subtract 1 from both sides

2x + 1 - 1 = 3 -1

2x = 2

Divide both sides by 2

2x/2 = 2/2

x = 1

Hence 1 block is required in the process to balance the scale