What does it mean to say an equation is balanced? Why is it important for an equation to be balanced?

An equation is balanced when a variable and an interger has been seperated as much as possible.

x + 3 = 5 is unbalanced

x = 2 is balanced

another example

3x + 2 = 2x + 6 is unbalanced

x = 4 is balanced

It is important to balance an equation because it enables people to understand a quantity needed. This allows real life situations to be solved through math like how many apples can be bought with a 15 dollars.