The biggest mistakes include adding or subtracting fractions without finding a common denominator, multiplying numerators and denominators separately instead of across, and misinterpreting what a fraction represents in a real-world context. Students also often struggle with improper fractions and mixed numbers, or forget to simplify answers to lowest terms. A tutor can catch these patterns early and help students develop strategies to check their own work, turning mistakes into learning opportunities.

Varsity Tutors connects students with expert tutors who work at your student's pace, using visual models, manipulatives, and real-world examples to make fractions concrete and meaningful. Rather than moving through a textbook, tutors diagnose specific gaps—whether your student struggles with equivalence, operations, or application—and build targeted practice around those areas. Regular, focused sessions with immediate feedback help students move from confusion to confidence, which is especially valuable since fractions are foundational for algebra, geometry, and standardized test success.

During an initial session, a tutor will assess your student's current understanding through conversation and a few diagnostic problems to pinpoint exactly where confusion exists. They'll ask about previous instruction, what strategies your student has tried, and what specific topics feel most frustrating. From there, the tutor creates a personalized plan focused on building conceptual understanding first, then moving to fluency with operations and applications.

Many students show noticeable improvement in confidence and accuracy within 3-4 weeks of consistent, focused tutoring—especially when sessions happen weekly and students practice between meetings. Deeper mastery that transfers to new problem types and standardized tests usually develops over 2-3 months of regular work. The timeline depends on how far behind your student is and how frequently they meet with a tutor, but personalized instruction typically accelerates progress compared to classroom-only learning.

Absolutely. Fractions appear consistently on standardized tests like the SOL, SAT, and ACT, often embedded in word problems, ratio questions, and algebra. Students who understand fractions conceptually—not just memorized procedures—can tackle unfamiliar problem formats with confidence. Tutors can also teach test-specific strategies like estimating answers, recognizing common distractors, and managing time on fraction-heavy sections, which helps reduce test anxiety and improve overall math scores.

Varsity Tutors makes it simple to get matched with an expert tutor who specializes in fractions and understands the Richmond curriculum. You can share your student's grade level, specific challenges, and scheduling preferences, and we'll connect you with a tutor who's a great fit. Whether your student needs help catching up, building confidence, or preparing for a test, personalized instruction is customized to their needs and learning style.

Strong fraction skills are essential for success in ratios, proportions, decimals, percents, and eventually algebra and geometry. Students who struggle with fractions often hit a wall in later math because these concepts build on fraction understanding. By solidifying fractions now with personalized tutoring, your student builds a strong foundation that makes subsequent math topics feel more manageable and less frustrating.