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How to Balance:

Word equation: Sucrose + Oxygen gas → Carbon dioxide + Water

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

Balancing Strategies: In this reactions we have sucrose which you normally know is table sugar and are adding oxygen. In other words were burning sugar. That makes this a combustion reaction.

Start by balancing the carbons by changing the coefficient in front of the CO2 molecule. That should get you started balancing this 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).