Fractions as a Factor for Success in Algebra Instruction Problems learning Algebra.   Did you have problems learning Algebra? While you probably know you are not alone, there are many reasons (see my blog article “Why I Can’t Learn Algebra”).  But it might not be the Algebra or anything complex. It might have a simple solution for a problem that is not your fault and confronts many others. A few years ago, I was asked to tutor a student, who had no problem in his math classes until he got to Algebra in the eighth grade. His parents told me he was spending up to 2 hours doing his homework every night and not being successful in completing the assignments nor learning the fundamentals and not scoring well on quizzes or tests. And he was extremely frustrated and anxious. When I first met with him and talked about his understanding of the course material, I was surprised that he appeared to know the basic Algebraic Principles being covered in class. But then, I watched as he attempted to take those principles and put them into practice in solving specific homework problems.

     The problem was: he struggled with arithmetic operations using fractions. When I questioned him, I found, in his elementary and middle school classes, when fractions were discussed, it was usually done superficially and, in most cases, only with short cuts and “special rules” He had no basic understanding of the nature of a fraction nor any set of processes for handling fractions.

      We stopped working on Algebra for a week and concentrated on getting clarity of the nature of a fraction, how to manipulate them and for him to become a “Fraction Machine” When we finished this fraction remediation, we made up the Algebra concepts from the previous week in a single session. In another week, he was able to complete his nightly Algebra in 10 to 20 minutes instead of the up to 2 hours a night previously needed. And he was scoring 90% or better on his tests and quizzes.

       While it appears that doing fraction problems seem to cause anxiety for many people, I found conformation in results of a survey I have given to establish student math backgrounds for many years during the first week of all levels of my mathematics classes.  Of the 2134 students responding, 67% indicated that fractions were either their least favorite arithmetic math topic or had been the hardest topic to master. (See my blog article, “Don’t Be Fractured by Fractions” for information about fractions and operations with fractions.)

      Adding and even multiplying simple numbers (counting numbers and whole numbers) appear obvious and even easy to understand. You have 2 cows, and you get 3 more you can count there are 5.  When Western civilization moved to a base ten number system in the ninth century, it made arithmetic systems almost automatic. Even moving in the negative direction and expanding into Integers, operations seem to not cause a problem for most people. When we move to the rational numbers with decimals and especially fractions that students appear to have great and, in some cases, insurmountable problems. From my experience with students, spending even a short time really looking at the fundamentals of fractions can make a dramatic difference in moving forward with Algebra and deeper studies in Mathematics.

      For additional information, see my blog articles: “Why Are There Algebra Brains and Geometry Brains?” and “Alternatives to Dyscalculia”