Algebra is one of the most important subjects in a student’s academic journey and one of the most common stumbling blocks. For many students, algebra feels confusing, overwhelming, and even impossible to “get right.”
But the truth is, most algebra mistakes aren’t about intelligence, they’re about misunderstood concepts, rushed steps, and missing foundations. As a parent, understanding these errors can help you recognize when your child needs support and how the right help can turn things around.
At Straight A Tutors, we’ve worked with countless students who’ve gone from dreading algebra to mastering it just by fixing a few key habits.
1. Rushing Through the Problem
Many students try to finish too quickly and end up skipping steps. This leads to avoidable errors and missed signs or variables.
Fix it: Encourage your child to slow down and show every step. Tutoring sessions help reinforce the importance of process, not just answers.
2. Forgetting to Apply the Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
Mixing up the order in which math operations are done (especially in algebraic expressions) is a top cause of wrong answers.
Fix it: Revisit PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). Practice problems help retrain the brain.
3. Misusing Negative Signs
A negative sign in the wrong place can completely change an answer. Students often forget to distribute the negative sign properly, especially with parentheses.
Fix it: Have your child circle or highlight negative signs and double-check them before moving on.
4. Not Understanding Variables
Some students treat variables like random letters instead of meaningful placeholders. This confusion leads to fear and poor equation solving.
Fix it: Break it down simply: A variable is a symbol that stands for a number. Tutors use visuals and real-life examples to make this concept clear and less intimidating.
5. Failing to Combine Like Terms
Students often try to add terms that can’t be added (e.g., 2x+3y2x + 3y2x+3y) or forget to combine terms that can (e.g., 3x+4x=7x3x + 4x = 7x3x+4x=7x).
Fix it: Practice grouping and color-coding terms during tutoring sessions to reinforce what “like” terms really are.
6. Not Checking Their Work
Students often move on once they find an answer, but don’t plug it back into the original equation to see if it’s correct.
Fix it: Make it a habit: “If you solve it, check it.” Tutoring helps build this as part of their problem-solving routine.
7. Confusing Equations with Expressions
Students sometimes try to solve expressions like equations, even though expressions don’t have equal signs and don’t need solving.
Fix it: Review key vocabulary. Tutors help students understand math language so they don’t apply the wrong strategies.
8. Struggling With Word Problems
Many students freeze when faced with word problems. They often don’t know how to translate real-world language into mathematical expressions.
Fix it: Teach them to break the problem into small parts and underline keywords. Tutors guide them through patterns and logical translation techniques.
9. Skipping Basic Concepts (Like Fractions)
Students who struggle with basic arithmetic (fractions, decimals, factors) find algebra even harder. They try to learn complex skills without strong foundations.
Fix it: Tutoring often includes a skills refresher, revisiting essential math building blocks before tackling algebra.
10. Trying to Memorize Instead of Understand
Many students try to “memorize steps” instead of understanding why those steps work. This leads to confusion when problems look even slightly different.
Fix it: Encourage deep understanding. A tutor explains why a rule works not just how so students can apply it confidently in any situation.
If your child is struggling with algebra, they’re not alone and it doesn’t mean they’re not smart. It means they need a different kind of guidance, more practice, or a fresh explanation that finally clicks.
At Straight A Tutors, we take the frustration out of algebra. Our experienced tutors make abstract concepts easy to understand, help students rebuild confidence, and give them the tools to succeed not just in algebra, but across all areas of math.
Is Your Child Making Any of These Algebra Mistakes?
Let us help. We offer personalized one-on-one math tutoring tailored to your child’s learning style and pace.
Schedule a free consultation with Straight A Tutors today and let’s turn confusion into confidence
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