Write each intermediary step, sometimes referred to as elementary steps, one above the other.
Balance each intermediary step. If a step is not balanced, multiply each elementary step so that it is balanced with the rest of the steps. This ensures that products of one elementary step are completely used by subsequent steps.
Create an equation below the intermediary steps that has all species from all steps. Ensure that all species remain on their respective sides of the equation. This step is similar to adding whole equations in algebra; simply bring everything down.
Cancel out any species that appear on both sides of the equation. This removes products or reactions that are consumed in subsequent steps and reaction mechanisms. It should be noted that because catalyst materials do not normally appear in chemical reactions, they are exempt from this cancellation.
Balance the remaining equation again, if needed, to ensure a balanced final equation. This final equation is a summary of the chemical mechanisms that have occurred.