Why Students Find Algebra Challenging — And What To Do About It

For many, sometime around grade 8 marks a turning point in many students Maths Education. We introduce the letter x, and all of a sudden numbers turn into letters, rules we need to learn multiply, and many students stumble! However, I believe that algebra is no more complicated than the rules of arithmetic we already know, its just more abstract!

Mastering algebra requires a mindshift - students need to learn to think in terms of algebra, not numbers!

In arithmetic, every question has a well defined answer.

2 + 3 = 5

4 x 15 - 4 = 56

In algebra, we start asking: "well, what happens to the answer if these numbers change"

All of a sudden, students are required to move from definite answers to describing rules, patterns and variables and it is this leap, from concrete to abstract, where many start to wobble.

"Just What is x?!"

When I introduce algebra to my students, I tell them that the letter x is just a place holder - its my number that I have in my head. Using variables can often intimidate students it just seems meaningless.

Over the course of a few lessons, students start to appreciate that they are ways of keeping track of ideas. I often find that when students skip this understanding and try to “memorise steps,” it becomes a guessing game!

Overreliance on Tricks

Many students I start working with have learnt shortcuts (for example, move x to one side, numbers to the other) without understanding why they work or what they are even doing. This is fine for simple equations, and can get quick results! Unfortunately, these rules collapse when we start looking at multi-step problems, or with variables on both sides of the equation.

I like to make things as visual as possible. A nice trick is to think of an equation like a see-saw or a balance. What we do to one side we do to the other: if you add 3 to one side, you must add 3 to the other to keep things balanced. Algebra is just the language of balance and logic.

Encourage Confidence And Practice

I've worked with thousands of students from varying backgrounds, all over the world. In my opinion, struggling with algebra rarely comes down to a lack of IQ — it’s about confidence, clarity and repetition. Once students realise they can make sense of each step, the fear fades.

Turning Things Around

When working with students, I employ a variety of tips and techniques I have learnt over the years to improve students relationship with algebra:

• Visualise relationships: Graphs, tiles, and number lines turn abstract symbols into shapes you can see.

• Check with numbers: Substitute simple values to test if your equations make sense.

• Ask “why,” not just “how”: Every algebraic move has a reason.

• Practise pattern recognition: The more equations you see, the faster your brain spots structure.

  
  

Algebra isn’t a barrier — it’s the bridge to higher-level maths and gives you the tools to unlock understanding in other subjects. With patience, positivity and the right guidance, anyone can cross it.

I offer one-to-one online tutoring for middle school, high school, and IB/A-Level students. Book a trial session and see how quickly algebra can start to make sense.

Contact Me Today

Website: www.mrqmaths.com Contact: www.mrqmaths.com/contact YouTube: @mrqmaths  Instagram: @mr.qmaths Facebook: Mr Q Maths LinkedIn: James Quarrington