When Year 7 students are learning about proportions, it's important to avoid some common mistakes. This will help them understand the topic better and get the right answers.

1. Mixing Ratios and Proportions: It's important to know the difference between these two. Ratios compare two amounts, while proportions show that two ratios are equal. For example, if you have a ratio of boys to girls that is 2:3, you can write a proportion like $\frac{2}{3} = \frac{x}{15}$ to find out what $x$ is.

2. Ignoring Units: Always keep an eye on the units you are using. If a ratio is in meters and you need to change it to centimeters, remember that 1 meter is equal to 100 centimeters.

3. Not Knowing About Direct and Inverse Proportions: It's also important to know whether the variables are directly proportional or inversely proportional. A direct proportion means that if you double one number, the other number doubles too. Inverse proportions mean that if one number goes up, the other goes down.

By avoiding these common mistakes, students can build a strong understanding of proportions!