Let's solve this puzzle step by step.
We are given two balance scales, each with symbols (hearts, blue circles, and clovers), and the total values on top of each scale:
- Left scale:
32
- Right scale:
42
We need to find the value of each symbol:
- Red heart (♥) = ?
- Blue circle (●) = ?
- Green clover (♣) = ?
---
Step 1: Analyze the left scale (total = 32)
On the left:
- 4 blue circles (●)
- 1 red heart (♥)
- 1 green clover (♣)
So:
> 4● + ♥ + ♣ = 32 → Equation (1)
---
Step 2: Analyze the right scale (total = 42)
On the right:
- 3 blue circles (●)
- 1 red heart (♥)
- 4 green clovers (♣)
So:
> 3● + ♥ + 4♣ = 42 → Equation (2)
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Now we have two equations:
1) 4● + ♥ + ♣ = 32
2) 3● + ♥ + 4♣ = 42
Let’s subtract Equation (1) from Equation (2) to eliminate ♥:
(3● + ♥ + 4♣) - (4● + ♥ + ♣) = 42 - 32
→ (3● - 4●) + (♥ - ♥) + (4♣ - ♣) = 10
→ -● + 3♣ = 10
→ 3♣ - ● = 10 → Equation (3)
Now solve for ● in terms of ♣:
→ ● = 3♣ - 10
Now substitute into Equation (1):
4● + ♥ + ♣ = 32
4(3♣ - 10) + ♥ + ♣ = 32
12♣ - 40 + ♥ + ♣ = 32
13♣ + ♥ = 72 → Equation (4)
Now let’s try small integer values for ♣ to see what works.
Try ♣ = 5:
→ 13×5 = 65 → ♥ = 72 - 65 = 7
Then ● = 3×5 - 10 = 15 - 10 = 5
Check if these values work in both equations.
Test in Equation (1):
4● + ♥ + ♣ = 4×5 + 7 + 5 = 20 + 7 + 5 = 32
✔
Test in Equation (2):
3● + ♥ + 4♣ = 3×5 + 7 + 4×5 = 15 + 7 + 20 = 42
✔
Perfect!
So:
- ♥ = 7
- ● = 5
- ♣ = 5
Wait — both ● and ♣ are 5? That’s possible.
But let’s double-check:
Clover (♣) = 5
Blue circle (●) = 5
Heart (♥) = 7
Left side: 4×5 + 7 + 5 = 20 + 7 + 5 = 32
✔
Right side: 3×5 + 7 + 4×5 = 15 + 7 + 20 = 42
✔
Yes! It works.
---
Final Answer:
-
♥ = 7
-
● = 5
-
♣ = 5
✔ So the values are:
- Heart =
7
- Blue circle =
5
- Clover =
5
---
Fill in the blanks:
> ♥ =
7
> ● =
5
> ♣ =
5
That's the solution!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of pre algebra puzzle worksheet.