Identifying mistakes in ratio calculations can be hard for Year 9 students. Here are some common mistakes they make:

• Misreading the problem: It's easy for students to mix up the amounts, which can lead to wrong ratios.
• Not simplifying: If students don't reduce ratios to their simplest form, like changing $4:8$ to $1:2$, they might end up with more errors.
• Wrong calculations: If students add when they should be multiplying, or the other way around, the answers can be off.

To help with these issues, students can:

• Double-check each step: Looking over their work again can catch mistakes.
• Use visual aids: Pictures or models can help make sense of how different amounts relate to each other.
• Practice regularly: Doing exercises often can help students understand better and make fewer mistakes.