NCERT Ganita Prakash, Class 7, textbook pages 164–198 (Part 2)

How to teach Class 7 Maths Part 2 Chapter 7, Finding the Unknown, at home

Simple equations, taught with things you already have at home: a 20-minute activity, a game for the week, a 5-day plan and the mistakes to watch for.

3x + 2 = 11 → x = 3

NCERT Class 7 Maths Part 2 Chapter 7 Finding the Unknown: what it teaches

A balance scale shows equations: both sides must weigh the same. Your child writes equations for situations, solves them by doing the same thing to both sides, and checks answers by substituting.

Why it matters later. Solving equations is central to algebra in Classes 8–10.

See it: this chapter in pictures

3x + 2 = 113x = 9 (−2 both sides)x = 3 (÷3 both sides)
Same operation on both sides.
2y − 5 = 92y = 14y = 7
Undo operations in reverse order.
check x = 3:3 × 3 + 2 = 11 ✓substitute to check
Always check the answer.

You need

  • a toy balance or drawings of one
  • matchboxes and coins
  • paper

Tonight’s 20 minutes

  1. Balance: 3 boxes + 2 coins = 11 coins. How many coins in one box? (3)
  2. Write it as 3x + 2 = 11 and solve step by step.
  3. Make up a riddle: I think of a number, double it and add 5 to get 17.
  4. Check each answer by putting it back in.

Words to use

  • equation
  • unknown
  • solve
  • balance
  • both sides
  • check

Watch for

  • Doing an operation on one side only. Whatever you do to one side, do to the other.
  • Not checking. Substitute the answer to confirm.

What it sounds like at home

A short example of the conversation. Your words will differ; the questions are what matter.

You3 boxes plus 2 coins weigh 11 coins. One box?

Your childTake 2 off both sides: 3 boxes = 9, so 3.

A game for this week: Think of a number

  1. One player gives clues: double it, add 5, got 17.
  2. Others write and solve the equation.
  3. Check by substituting.
  4. Swap roles.

A 5-day plan, 20 minutes a day

  1. Day 1Balance puzzles.
  2. Day 2Write equations.
  3. Day 3Solve step by step.
  4. Day 4Word problems.
  5. Day 5Think of a number game.

Everyday moments to practise

  • Splitting bills.
  • Age puzzles.
  • Unknown prices.
  • Recipe quantities.

Quick check

Ask these at the end of the week. Tap to see the answer.

Solve 3x + 2 = 11.

x = 3.

Solve 2y − 5 = 9.

y = 7.

Double a number plus 5 is 17. Number?

6.

Ready for the next chapter when your child…

  • Writes equations from situations.
  • Solves one-step and two-step equations.
  • Checks by substitution.

Activities, wording and illustrations are Mathify Kids’ own, following the topics of NCERT’s Ganita Prakash (Class 7). See the full Class 7 parent guide for every chapter.

Questions parents ask

What is an equation?

A statement that two expressions are equal.

How do I solve 3x + 2 = 11?

Subtract 2 from both sides, then divide both by 3.

Why check?

It catches mistakes and confirms the answer.