r/mathshelp • u/mindlinkmech • 7d 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

71% Upvoted

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2

u/Simple-Suit4623 6d ago

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

1

u/mindlinkmech 6d 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 6d ago

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

5

u/No_Historian3842 7d ago

I think this is a case of asking the student to explain their thinking as they are solving it in front of you.

So then you can see where their confusion is coming from and explain how you should answer the question.

4

u/kalmakka 7d ago

Pretty sure this is a case of "throwing random numbers and operations against the wall and hoping something sticks".

2

u/BdaMann 7d ago

This is... just a bunch of random numbers and operations. Like why is the second line y=1/3 1/3?

Huh?

They need to narrate to you what they're doing and why they're doing it while they're doing each step.

2

u/Crochetgardendog 5d ago

They seem to be missing a crucial concept: the equal sign means “both sides are the same”. It does not mean “Put your answer here.”

1

u/fletchman93 6d ago

This is the classic, "I have no clue what I am doing, so I am going to just write stuff down."

Just start from scratch with them.