About the game
Keep the scale level. Find the mystery number.
Balance Scale Algebra is a free equation-solving game for grades 6–8, part of The Active Home Academy — The Active Home’s series for older kids. Every equation sits on a brass balance scale: bags hold the mystery number x, weights are ones, and balloons are negative ones that lift. The one rule runs everything — whatever you do to one side, do to the other.
Five levels, two ways to play
- Level 1 — One step: add. x + 3 = 8. Take the same weight from both pans and x stands alone.
- Level 2 — One step: groups. 3x = 12. Split both sides into equal groups to free a single bag.
- Level 3 — Two steps. 2x + 3 = 11. Undo the addition first, then split — inverse operations in the right order.
- Level 4 — Balloons. 2x − 3 = 7. Balloons lift a pan by 1 each (they are −1), so adding weights cancels them — negative numbers you can see.
- Level 5 — Mystery on both sides. 3x + 2 = x + 10. Bags on both pans: gather them to one side first.
Scale puzzles mode (5 puzzles per level) offers a choice of moves each turn — pick a legal one. A one-sided move really tips the scale on screen, costs a "slip," and resets, so the balance rule is felt, not just stated. Speed round mode (10 questions per level) asks for x directly. Both modes earn up to three stars per level, saved on the device.
How it plays
- Every solution is checked out loud. Solving a puzzle ends by substituting x back into the original equation and showing both sides equal.
- Mistakes are information. There is no score penalty beyond a counted slip in puzzle mode, and the scale always returns to level for another try.
- Saved on the device. Stars are stored only on this device — no accounts, nothing sent anywhere.
For parents and teachers
- Standards. Built for grades 6–8, aligned with Common Core 6.EE.B.7, 7.EE.B.4a, and 8.EE.C.7 (solving one-step, two-step, and multi-step equations).
- The model before the symbols. Equality as balance gives students a picture to reason with long after the scale is gone — and balloons make early negative numbers concrete instead of scary.
- Free, always. No ads, no sign-up, nothing to buy.