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How to Balance:

Word equation: Calcium + Nitric acid → Calcium nitrate + Hydrogen Gas

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

Balancing Strategies: In this single displacment reaction the Ca replaces the H in HNO3. We end up with Ca(NO3)2 and H2.

It is helpful to consider the NO3 to be one item. This makes the balancing much simplier.

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).