A balance scale compares 6 kg of flour on the left side and 4 kg of wheat on the right side. How many kilograms of wheat must be added to the right side to balance the scale?

medium 3 marks Class 4 · Mathematics · How Heavy How Light

Answer

2 kg

The correct answer is 2 kg — Set the two sides equal for balance: $6 = 4 + x$ . Solve: $x = 6 - 4 = 2$ . So 2 kg of wheat are needed.

Step-by-step solution

The flour side weighs 6 kg; the wheat side currently weighs 4 kg.
Let $x$ be the additional wheat needed. The right side will then weigh $4 + x$ kg.
Set the two sides equal for balance: $6 = 4 + x$ . Solve: $x = 6 - 4 = 2$ . So 2 kg of wheat are needed.

Common mistake: Adding weight to the wrong side or forgetting to set equation

Concept tested: Balance scale – add weight