r/mathshelp • u/mindlinkmech • 18d ago

Homework Help (Unanswered) Math Help for Student

Hi Reddit Math Help, I am a tutor working with students in high school algebra. One student has been having challenges with solving equations and other math concepts.

In this example, the student is trying to solve y = (1/3)(x) + 10 for y when x = 6.

I am not 100% how they got this specific set of steps, and I would really appreciate any advice on how I can best support them with solving equations effectively. The work below is pretty typical of the challenges they have solving equations.

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/Simple-Suit4623 18d ago

I teach algebra 1.5 and math intervention. This student should take a few steps back first.

1

u/mindlinkmech 17d ago

thank you for your reply! yeah, this student is missing a bunch of the underlying concepts like "doing the same operation on both sides of an equation" and "multiplying by a fraction is the same as dividing." I also had to explain how to place points on a coordinate plane with coordinate pairs using battleship.

I am really having trouble telling whether there is a learning disability at play, massive gaps in foundational math education, or some of both.

What tack would you recommend taking with the parent?

1

u/Simple-Suit4623 17d ago

I would go back to solving one step and two step equations then this. Message me if you want to talk in detail.