Four Pan Algebra Balance

thingiverse

Algebra and Negative Integer Fun! This balance is intended to help visualize the use of negative integers or that negative one is less than zero. Weights placed on the outer pans represent negative integers, weights placed on the inner pans represent positive integers, which makes it possible to visualize an equation like: (-1)+(+1)=0+0 where the = sign is the tower.. The full scale version has a 10" Top Beam, however I do not have access to a Makerbot so the printed version is half scale at this time, which is really small on a low-res reprap. Hopefully I can print a full scale version in color some time in the future (The district I teach in doesn't have a 3D printer, however a district we mentored in FRC last year may be getting a Replicator 2). I didn't add plastic chips since I intended to use pennies as number weights. This balance is meant to be easily sliced and printed, and there is also a dwg vector file for a laser cut version in the future. I had designed it to be easily made out of one 1/8" acrylic 16"x20" sheet for schools that only have laser cutters as well. Instructions Bill of Materials: (1) Base (2) Towers (1) Tower Clip (1) Top Beam (1) Top Beam Lock (2) Mid Beams (1) Lower Beam (8) Clips (4) Pans (4) Pan Clips (2) Pointers Instructions to build: Place Lower Beam between two tower halves, then place the tower into the base. Put the tower clip over the top of the tower to lock it in place. Place the pointers in from each square in the middle (there is a version of the pointers with a hole in the middle for a bolt if you wish). Place top tower on top before bolting (optional) the pointer together. 5, Put on the first two clips joining the mid to lower beam on the top set of holes. Put on the next two clips joining the top beam to the mid beam at the fulcrum point. Add the pan clips to the pans by gently squeezing the clips Add clips to the outer holes on the mid and lower beam and add the pans onto those clips Add the top beam lock if needed to keep the top beam from rocking You can use a variety of weights for this balance, pennies work nicely, or you can print out some plastic chips. Tip - If you have fitment issues, scale up the tower clip, and base a tiny bit (varies by printer). You can also scale down the pointer a tiny bit. Weights on the outer pan represent negative integers, weights on the inner pans represent positive integers the tower represents the equal sign if all is balanced. Have fun learning!