1. Balancing Chemical Equations

2. STEP 1 Check all molecular formulas and make sure they are neutral, then count the atoms on both sides of the equation

3. STEP 2 Balance elements in the following order: NM, M, Poly, H, O

4. STEP 3 When balancing the polys treat them as one unit if they appear on both sides of the equation.

5. STEP 4 About element subscripts: If there is an odd on one side and an even on the other, put the odd number in front of the even.

6. STEP 5 Count all atoms on both sides of the equation and make sure they are equal.

7. Helpful Hints Combustion equations sometimes start with a 2 as the coefficient of the hydrocarbon. Never begin with balancing H or O!!

8. YOU ARE BALANCED!!