Tip:

Always start with the metals.

You can put a 1 in front of the metal when balancing if you would like.

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Example

Balance all metals by placing a coefficient (small whole number) in front of the element or compound containing the metal.

MgCl2 + NaOH ---> Mg(OH)2 + NaCl

1 Mg 1

2 Cl 1

1 Na 1

1 O 2

1 H 2

In the example above the metals Mg & Na are already balanced. The magnesium and sodium metal has one atom present on each side of the equation.

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