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Possible Duplicate:
Balance chemical equations without trial and error?

Thanks Ben, the other answer was helpful... but is it possible to do it when, say, five variables are involved?

E.g.: $\textrm{Na}_2\textrm{CO}_3 + \textrm{HCl} \to \textrm{NaCl} + \textrm{H}_2\textrm{O} + \textrm{CO}_2$

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    Please make the question self-contained. In this case, add a link to the "other answer" that was helpful...2011-11-16
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    If you recognize $\textrm{H}_2\textrm{O} + \textrm{CO}_2$ as $\textrm{H}_2\textrm{CO}_3$ you can see you need two $\textrm{HCl}$ to balance the hydrogen and you will get there. But Michael Lugo's approach will work all the time.2011-11-16

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