Algebra Use groups of 2. Materials: Balance, beans, envelopes

Balance the Beans

Each partner secretly places an equal number of beans in each of several envelopes and then seals the envelopes.

Decide which partner will go first. The first partner places his or her sealed envelopes plus several loose beans on one pan of the balance. The second partner places beans on the other pan until the two pans balance. Working together, both partners write an equation that describes this situation.

The second partner solves for the variable in the equation, beginning by removing the loose beans from the pan with the envelopes and an equal number from the other pan. The next step is dividing the remaining loose beans so that an equal number can be placed in the same number of envelopes as there are on the other pan.

Trade roles and repeat the activity.