Let's solve the problem of reading a
triple beam balance based on the image you provided. The goal is to determine the mass indicated by each of the three beams (riders) on the balance.
A triple beam balance has
three sliding weights (riders), each with different scales:
1.
Left rider – usually measures in
100-gram increments
2.
Middle rider – usually measures in
10-gram increments
3.
Right rider – usually measures in
1-gram increments, and it’s read using a
graduated scale that goes from 0 to 10 grams.
To find the total mass:
>
Total Mass = Left Rider + Middle Rider + Right Rider
We’ll go through each of the five diagrams one by one.
---
Diagram 1:
-
Left rider: at
100 g
-
Middle rider: at
20 g
-
Right rider: pointing to
2.5 g (since it's between 2 and 3, and halfway)
✔ Total = 100 + 20 + 2.5 = 122.5 g
---
Diagram 2:
-
Left rider: at
300 g
-
Middle rider: at
20 g
-
Right rider: pointing to
4.5 g
✔ Total = 300 + 20 + 4.5 = 324.5 g
---
Diagram 3:
-
Left rider: at
0 g
-
Middle rider: at
30 g
-
Right rider: pointing to
4.7 g (just before 5, about 4.7)
✔ Total = 0 + 30 + 4.7 = 34.7 g
---
Diagram 4:
-
Left rider: at
100 g
-
Middle rider: at
50 g
-
Right rider: pointing to
0.5 g
✔ Total = 100 + 50 + 0.5 = 150.5 g
---
Diagram 5:
-
Left rider: at
100 g
-
Middle rider: at
50 g
-
Right rider: pointing to
2.5 g
✔ Total = 100 + 50 + 2.5 = 152.5 g
---
✔ Final Answers:
1.
122.5 g
2.
324.5 g
3.
34.7 g
4.
150.5 g
5.
152.5 g
---
🔍 How to Read the Right Rider:
The right beam has a
scale from 0 to 10 grams, but it's subdivided into 10 small marks (each representing 0.1 g). The pointer shows where the line aligns — if it's halfway between 2 and 3, it’s
2.5 g.
Always add all three riders together for the total mass.
Let me know if you'd like this explained further or need help drawing the values!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of reading triple beam balance worksheet.
