Key Takeaways
Math in the 7th grade introduces new and more abstract concepts, such as integers, LCM, and GCF, that require logical thinking, not just memorization. Common signs of struggle seen among 7th graders include declining grades, homework anxiety, and comments such as "I hate math." Student struggles can be overcome with extra support. MTS offers personalized, one-on-one tutoring adapted to the student’s needs to fill learning gaps.
Introduction
Does the thought of integers, Pythagoras' Theorem, or complex word problems make you want to shut your math textbook forever and skip math class? You're not alone. Seventh-grade math is a common hurdle for students as they go from elementary school to junior high. It’s where math shifts from basic arithmetic to a new language of numbers, symbols, and abstract thinking.
If you’re feeling lost, it doesn't mean you're "bad at math," and you just can’t get any better. It means you're facing a completely new kind of learning challenge. Many students feel the same way. But here’s something reassuring.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone! With MTS tutors’ right guidance and the right strategies, you can not only catch up in school but also be ready to face future math head-on. In this blog, we’ll learn how you can overcome your struggles, one step at a time.
Which Concepts in 7th Grade Make Students Say, “This Is Hard”?
As you move up from 6th grade, the concepts increase in difficulty. There are additional steps to complete when solving your homework or taking your class test. Classfellows telling each other, “I can’t wrap my head around this topic,” becomes common. Before you understand how the right guidance can help you, let’s discuss the topics that make 7th graders feel flustered.
1. Fractions
If you haven’t mastered your basics in elementary school, you will ultimately face difficulty in solving fractions even in 7th grade. Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing uncommon denominators and mixed numbers are a common point of struggle for many 7th graders.
2. Order of Operations
Many students fail to solve math problems because they incorrectly apply the order of operations (PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). This confusion becomes especially problematic when solving algebraic equations in junior high. If you know the correct sequence, you can easily solve math problems and avoid getting low marks in tests.
3. Integers
Students commonly get stuck on integers. Especially negative integers. Understanding the rules for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing negative numbers is very important, not just so you can simplify expressions but to succeed in algebra, geometry, and beyond.
4. Greatest Common Factor (GCF) and Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) (Grade 7)
GCF and LCM are concepts newly introduced in the 7th grade. Why do students struggle to solve such math problems? Because they lack a solid foundation in multiplication. The increasing reliance on calculators in schools further complicates matters. If you also rely a lot on a calculator, you won’t be prepared for later high school math topics like factorization.
5. Linear Equations
Linear equations are introduced in Grade 5, but by Grade 7, students are expected to solve them independently. If your foundational skills are weak (struggling with fractions or understanding the order of operations), you won’t be able to solve linear equations.
6. Pythagoras' Theorem
Students commonly struggle with remembering the formula a² + b² = c² or finding the Hypotenuse
For example, a right triangle has legs of 5 units and 12 units. Find the hypotenuse.
Common Mistakes:
Forgetting to take the square root at the end,
Applying the formula to non-right triangles,
Incorrectly assuming the unknown side is always the hypotenuse (c), even when it's a leg (a or b)
7. Multi-Step Problem Overload
Word problems become full-page stories. You have to find the important numbers, decide on multiple steps, and try your best not to get lost in the sentences. It's easy to feel overwhelmed.
These struggles happen because the foundation has shifted. It's like moving from following a recipe to creating your own; you need to understand the ingredients (core concepts) on a much deeper level.
Signs You May Be Struggling and Need Tutoring
How do you know if it's just a tough week, just not your day to solve math equations, or a sign to get help? Look for these clues:
Grades are falling, especially on tests and quizzes.
Homework takes much longer than usual.
Constant frustration or stress over math assignments
Saying "Math makes my soul drain" or "I don’t want to take math class at school."
Avoiding math work (whether classwork or homework) due to anxiety.
Understanding the lesson in class, but failing to do homework correctly, or being stuck at a B grade when you have the potential to get an A.
Self-doubt despite being a capable student
Why Choose My Tutor Source for Grade 7 Math Tutoring in Canada?
With the right approach, what seems confusing in math class today can become something you understand and even enjoy tomorrow. MTS makes it happen. Below we’ve listed the reasons why MTS one-on-one tutoring stands out and can help you, whether it may be for:
Exam Prep [Math Proficiency Test (MPT), Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA)]
Improving grades
Homework Help
Specific Topic Tutoring
Personalized Tutoring:
Our tutors don't just re-teach textbook material. They teach you how to break down word problems, spot keywords, check units, and show your work to get an A grade.
Moreover, they pinpoint where the confusion really began and clear it first. “Was it a gap from 6th grade? A misunderstanding about fractions?”
Our personalized tutoring is tailored to your learning style and pace, where you can focus on your specific weak areas, like Pythagoras' Theorem, a concept most students struggle with.
Interactive and Engaging Sessions:
Our tutor-controlled whiteboards make the sessions feel like you are actually in a classroom! How? You can see your tutor’s live video (as you see your teacher in a physical classroom) and also write on the screen (as you do at school for classwork), making the sessions highly engaging.
To make them even more engaging and interactive, our tutors use visual aids to explain complex topics (e.g., volume, place value). They also share their notes and relevant presentations at the end of every session, which is an MTS protocol and is always taken care of!
Flexible and Convenient Online Learning
Say goodbye to traffic and wasting time travelling to a tutoring academy! My Tutor Source offers you to take tutoring from the comfort of your home, and AT ANY TIME! Our tutors are available 24/7, so you can take your classes online at times that work best for you and your family.
Here’s some other good news. In case you can no longer match the tutoring time with our tutor, you can choose another with a SINGLE CLICK! MTS prioritizes making things easy for you
Trackable Progress
Wondering how much you’ve improved in your tutoring session? We help you and your parents track your progress through our app or by sending progress reports to your and your parents’ emails. This way, you can know how much syllabus you’ve covered and whether you’ve achieved your goals since you started tutoring.
Certified Math Tutors
My Tutor Source is very careful in its selection of highly experienced tutors to provide education to students who join our platform for learning. Our tutors have 10+ years of teaching experience and hold a Master’s degree or a PhD in their respective subjects. They provide comprehensive math support covering all levels of math education. You can check our tutors here.
Up-to-Date Teaching Methodologies
Our tutors are professionally trained lecturers. They know exactly how to deal with a specific curriculum across Canada. Whether you’re studying Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, or British Columbia, or IB Standard Level Mathematics, our tutors are well aware of the techniques and tactics required to improve your academic performance.
Affordable Tutoring Fee
Contrary to the general opinion that online tutoring is expensive, MTS provides its tutoring services at a very affordable fee ranging from CA $20 to CA $35 per hour. Moreover, you can also take a 30-minute trial session FOR FREE with our tutor! Want to sign up for a free session to clear your doubts? Click here.
Quality Assurance; Monitored Sessions
We don’t just match you with a tutor and walk away; we take full responsibility to make sure you’re getting top-quality tutoring from the start to the end. Every tutoring session with MTS is closely monitored by our management team to ensure that the lessons are delivered smoothly, the tutors are staying on track, following the agreed lesson plan, and providing teaching based on your needs.
On top of this, MTS encourages regular feedback from both parents and students so we can refine learning in real time and ensure every class is productive, supportive, and tailored to your goals.
Tips for Success in Studies
While getting a tutor is a game-changer, here are a few tips you can use to perform well in math class at school and in your tutoring class:
- Practice daily: Consistent, focused practice is key. Consider math as a sport. In a sport, you need to practice daily to do well. So, practice regularly to learn concepts well.
- Make it real: Connect lessons to real life. See math in budgets, measurements, or patterns. You can also use educational apps with math problems to boost your learning.
- Visualize: Use drawings or graphics to simplify complex problems.
- Check your work: Develop a habit of reviewing answers and units.
- Comprehension over rote-learning: Understand, don’t memorize. Concepts like linear equations make more sense when you see their logic.
- Ask questions early: Don’t wait until a test approaches to resolve your confusion. Ask straightaway whenever you’re stuck.
Ready to Say “I Get Math” with MTS?
7th Grade math is a challenge. You’re introduced to new concepts such as LCM, GCF, Pythagoras’ Theorem, etc, but that doesn’t mean it's impossible to score good marks or perform well in class. With the right help, consistent practice, and support of an experienced and dedicated MTS tutor, you can master challenging topics and enjoy learning again.
Don't wait for the report card to confirm the struggle. Take the first step today and turn your “I don’t get it” into “I’ve got this!” We’ll help match you with a highly qualified MTS tutor who can be your guide, turn your confusion into solutions, and help you succeed, one step at a time.
FAQs
Q: What qualifications should I look for in a Math Tutor?
It’s good to know what to look for in a Math tutor. You should look for the following qualifications when selecting a tutor:
Right academics: Do they have a formal educational background in Math (BS/MS/PhD)?
Expertise in Subject: Do they have a deep understanding of math concepts and the Canadian curricula?
Teaching Experience: Do they have experience in teaching?
Communication: Can they communicate and teach effectively?
Availability: Are they available to teach you at times convenient for you?
You can also check our students' or parents’ reviews to help you in selecting a tutor.
Q: How can my parents know about my progress in my tutoring sessions?
We help you keep your parents informed about your progress by sending them progress reports, which they can access either through email or our app. We also encourage you and your parents to share your valuable feedback so that we can improve our tutoring sessions.
Q: What if my tutor and I aren't a good match?
We help you select the best math tutor. We also provide a free 30-minute trial session with the tutor, so that you can get acquainted with the tutor and sign up with them for tutoring. However, if you still feel unsure about your tutor or can’t match with their teaching approach once you’ve started tutoring, we facilitate a change immediately at no extra cost, with just a SINGLE CLICK. Our goal is to build a productive and positive connection with you.
Q: I want to prepare for the Math Proficiency Test (MPT). Can MTS help me with exam preparation?
Absolutely. MTS tutors are experienced in helping students prepare for the Math Proficiency Test (MPT). Our tutors focus on strengthening the core math skills tested in the exam, such as algebra, problem-solving, reasoning, and multi-step questions.
We break down complex concepts into simple steps, provide targeted practice questions, and help you develop smart exam strategies like time management and checking your work. With consistent tutoring, students feel more prepared and less stressed on exam day.
Q: I have the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) coming up. Does MTS have tutors who offer tutoring just for this exam?
Yes, we can definitely help you with FSA preparation. The FSA focuses on measuring a student’s understanding of key math skills rather than just memorization. Our tutors help students build strong foundations in areas like number sense, problem-solving, and explaining their thinking clearly. Our tutors guide students through FSA-style mock questions, help them understand what examiners look for, so they can perform their best.
Q: I have a hectic schedule, where I have to go to my part-time job after school. Is tutoring flexible?
Yes. We offer tutoring services 24/7! Whether you want to take your classes after school, in the evenings, or on weekends, we facilitate your time. Our online tutoring sessions are easy to fit into your busy week without the hassle of travelling time.
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