Students often add or subtract numerators and denominators separately (like 1/4 + 1/4 = 2/8), forget to find common denominators, or struggle to simplify fractions to lowest terms. Another frequent error is misunderstanding how multiplication and division work with fractions—many students think multiplying always makes numbers bigger, which isn't true with fractions. Expert tutors work with students to catch these patterns early, use visual models and real-world examples to clarify why the correct method works, and build confidence through targeted practice.

Varsity Tutors connects you with a tutor who will assess your student's current understanding—not just what they got wrong on a test, but how they're thinking about fractions conceptually. The tutor will ask questions, work through a few problems together, and identify the specific gaps: Do they understand what a fraction represents? Can they visualize equivalent fractions? Are they confident with one operation but not others? From there, you'll develop a personalized plan that builds skills step-by-step, starting where your student actually is rather than where they should be.

Expert tutors connect fractions to things students care about—cooking and recipes, sports statistics, music (beats and time signatures), splitting costs with friends, or measuring for projects. These real-world contexts make abstract fraction concepts concrete and memorable, especially for visual learners. When students see that fractions aren't just worksheet problems but tools they actually use, they're more motivated to master the skills and more likely to retain what they've learned.

That depends on where your student is starting and what specific skills need work. Some students need a few weeks of consistent tutoring to solidify one operation like adding fractions with unlike denominators, while others benefit from ongoing support through a full unit. Most students see noticeable improvement within 4-6 weeks of weekly sessions, especially when they practice between tutoring appointments. Varsity Tutors can help you set realistic goals based on your student's starting point and learning pace.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have strong math backgrounds and experience teaching fractions to students at your child's grade level. You'll share details about your student's current challenges, learning style, and goals, and tutors are matched based on expertise and availability. You can meet with a tutor to see if it's a good fit, and if not, Varsity Tutors will help you find someone who's a better match—the goal is personalized instruction that works for your student.

Tutors typically assign targeted practice that reinforces what was covered in the session—usually 15-30 minutes of focused work rather than overwhelming problem sets. This might include visualizing fractions with diagrams, comparing fraction sizes, or working through a few operation problems with the strategies the tutor demonstrated. Consistent, manageable practice between sessions helps cement skills and shows tutors where your student needs more support. Tutors will adjust assignments based on what's working and what still needs attention.

Absolutely. Fractions are a foundational skill tested on standardized assessments like the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and appear throughout middle and high school math. When students truly understand fractions—not just memorize procedures—they're better equipped to tackle word problems, proportional reasoning, and more advanced math that builds on fractions. Expert tutors focus on deep understanding rather than test-taking tricks, which builds both confidence and actual performance on standardized measures.