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How to Balance:

Word equation: Silver nitrate + Sodium phosphate → Silver phosphate + Sodium nitrate

Type of Chemical Reaction: For this reaction we have a double replacement reaction.

Balancing Strategies: In this double replacement (displacement) reaction the Ag and Na atoms are switching places.

It is helpful to consider the nitrate (NO3) and phosphate (PO4) to be one item when balancing the equation.

For a complete explanation, watch:

When balancing chemical equations our goal is to have the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.

Only change the coefficients (these are the numbers in front substances).
Never change the subscripts (the small numbers after elements).