Balancing Equations using OH-

[HarveyD]

Is it the same as balancing equations using H+?
i.e.
Balance O's using H2O
then H's using OH-
then add electrons to balance charges?

[Mao]

Is it the same as balancing equations using H+?
i.e.
Balance O's using H2O
then H's using OH-
then add electrons to balance charges?

Almost. If you balance the H using OH-, you are introducing more oxygen, which need to be balanced by H2O.

The easiest method is to do the usual thing with H+, then add OH- to both sides to neutralize H+, creating water. Then cancel any redundant H2O.

Another method is to simply use OH- to balance the oxygens, then add H+ to balance H. You may have some neutralization, which will produce water.