Adding and subtracting fractions can be really tricky for Year 7 students. Here are some common mistakes they often make:

1. Forgetting about Denominators: Sometimes, students forget to find a common denominator when they add or subtract fractions that have different denominators. This usually ends up giving them the wrong answer.

2. Struggling with Simplifying: After doing the math, students might not simplify their answers. This means they don’t write the answer in its simplest form, which can be confusing.

3. Misplacing Numbers: When they write fractions on top of each other, students can mix up the numerators (the top numbers) and denominators (the bottom numbers). This causes problems when they calculate.

4. Making Simple Mistakes: Sometimes, students make little errors when adding or subtracting the numerators. These mistakes can lead to completely wrong answers.

To help get better at fractions, students should always:

• Find a common denominator carefully.
• Practice simplifying fractions often.
• Check their work for any mix-ups or math mistakes.

By following these tips, students can feel more confident and accurate when working with fractions.