Understanding the difference between proportional and non-proportional relationships can be tricky for 7th graders. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Finding Constant Ratios: In proportional relationships, the ratio between two numbers stays the same. But students often have a hard time spotting this when they look at different values.

• Graphing Confusion: Drawing graphs can make things more complicated. Proportional relationships show up as straight lines that go through zero, while non-proportional relationships do not.

• Tricky Word Problems: Students sometimes get confused with word problems where it isn’t easy to tell if the relationship is proportional or not.

To help with these challenges, we can:

1. Teach students how to calculate ratios and compare them easily.
2. Use pictures and exercises to help them understand how to read graphs.
3. Share real-world examples that make these concepts easier to grasp.