When balancing equations, it is important to remember that an equation is like a seesaw-both sides must be even. Just like 2+2=4, if there are two carbons on one side, there must be two carbons on the other side. There are a few simple suggestions for balancing reactions.
1. You should always leave the balancing of single atoms to the
last step, because it doesn't take a genius to put a 7 in front of sodium
if you need 7 sodiums.
2. You can't have fractions in the final answer. It is
possible to use fractions to balance things like 5/2 O2=
5 oxygens, but you can't leave it like that, however tempting it may be.
3. Putting a number in front of a molecule increases all atoms
in that molecule the same number of times. For example, writing
5 NaHSO4 means you have 5 Na, 5 H, 5 S, and 20
O atoms to play with.
4. Never add or change subscripts. You aren't being asked
to write formulas, so DON'T. Changing "2 CH4"into
"C2H8 " is wrong wrong wrong
do not pass go do not collect $200.