Is 6th-grade Math Hard? [Facts You Must Know]

Moving from elementary school to middle school is a big change. Imagine: You’re starting your first day of middle school, excited to learn new things and make new friends.

But as you settle into your math class, you hear the teacher talk about ratios, fractions, and decimals. The topics make you think a little harder than you’re used to.

Suddenly, you realize that 6th-grade math might not be as easy as you thought. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many of your peers wonder: “Is 6th-grade math hard?”

We turned to our 6th-grade math tutors at Wiingy to understand the challenges of 6th-grade math. And guess what, the tutors said that 6th-grade math can be tough.

6th-grade math can be hard as it introduces you to new middle-school math concepts. These concepts are typically harder than elementary math. You will learn foundational algebraic topics like fractions, ratios, decimals, and equations.

So should you worry about it? Well, no. Our tutors have helped us create this amazing guide that covers:

• Factors that can make 6th-grade math hard.
• Reasons why students find 6th-grade tougher.
• Hardest 6th-grade math subjects.
• And, how to excel in 6th-grade math.

Looking to Learn 6th Grade Math? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top 6th Grade Math Tutors for Concepts, Homework help, and Assignment Help!

Factors that determine the difficulty of 6th-grade math

6th-grade math can be hard as it introduces you to the new middle-school math concepts. The key factors that determine the difficulty of 6th-grade math are as follows:

Your basic math skills

When learning math, you progress from easy-level concepts to hard-level concepts. If you try to solve a hard-level problem, without knowing the basics, you will get confused.

So make sure your basic math skills are good. If you did well in 5th-grade math, learning 6th-grade math can be easy. Otherwise, you may find 6th-grade math harder.

The math topics you are learning

In 6th-grade math, some topics, like fractions and decimals can be tough to understand. When you’re working on these topics, you might find 6th-grade math harder.

On the other hand, topics like basic geometry and certain word problems, are easier to understand. So, the topics you choose to practice can make a big difference in how hard 6th-grade math feels.

📖Read What is 6th-grade math? to find the detailed 6th-grade math curriculum and lesson planning.

Your consistency with math practice

Do you practice math daily? Regular practice helps you remember the concepts that you have learned in math class. 

You get more familiar with the math topics with each practice. You develop quick problem-solving skills. And eventually, you solving 6th-grade math problems becomes easier.

Your attention span

Different students have different attention spans. While some students can focus on a specific task for longer, some can only focus for a shorter period.

If you have a short attention span, things going in the background can distract you easily. You might not be able to focus on your math lessons for longer.

You can go through an entire lesson without actually understanding its concepts. That happens because your mind gets sidetracked. Similarly, in a classroom, you may not be able to follow your teacher’s lecture. At home, you may be able to focus on your homework.

On the other hand, having a good attention span allows you to stay focused for longer. This means you to grasp more concepts in a given time.

Reasons why 6th-grade math can be difficult for students

According to EdSource reports, California’s 2022 Smarter Balanced scores dropped by 6.5%, especially in math. This means that middle school math education is facing a big challenge.

The report also says that as students go through middle school, their math scores drop even more. On average, there’s a -17% change in math performance during middle school.

So, why do students struggle with middle school math so much? Why is middle school math hard? Here are the most possible reasons:

Increased complexity and quantity of syllabus

As you enter grade 6, you start learning fractions and decimals. It is one of the most important math topics in 6th grade. It prepares you to solve advanced algebraic problems later.

True that, doing well in fractions and decimals benefits your overall math skills. But the math topic involves complex formulas and concepts. As a result, you find it tough to understand.

Also, in 6th grade, your math lessons cover a lot more compared to 5th grade. You’ll explore topics from different areas of math like – algebra, geometry, statistics, percentages, and probability.

Math anxiety 

Around 20% to 25% of students deal with math anxiety. But what is math anxiety? Math anxiety is not a disease; it’s a feeling.

Math anxiety is the feeling of worry, fear, or stress every time you face math problems. It generally stems from a poor foundation in math.

• If math makes you anxious, you may have math anxiety.
• If you have been mocked or judged for performing poorly in math, you could suffer from math anxiety.
• Similarly, if you fear failing in math, it could be a sign of math anxiety.

Math anxiety prevents you from learning and applying math skills confidently.

Improper time management

As you reach middle school, you experience a significant shift in your academic goals and expectations. Unlike elementary school, your grades become important from 6th grade onwards. 

Life is no longer about little study and more play, it’s the opposite. More study and little play.

Your school teacher might start giving you assignments. You may have to take frequent class tests. Hanging out with friends and extracurriculars have to be balanced too.

All the commitments make it hard to save enough time for consistent math practice in 6th grade.  

💡Tip: Ask your teachers or family members to make a suitable timetable for you. They will help you prioritize your tasks and divide your time accordingly. 

Lack of professional support

 In the traditional school setup, you’re learning in a group of 20 students. Your teacher might not have the time for 1-on-1 doubt-clearing sessions. 

You may have a tough time clearing your doubts. You may not be able to manage the assignments and test prep alone. 

 The Edsource report says that middle school math needs high-dosage tutoring. An experienced 6th-grade math tutor can help you clear doubts, complete homework on time, and prepare for important math tests. 

However, you must talk to your elders and parents before deciding on whether or not you need a math tutor.

💡Tip: You can get professional and personalized help from experienced 6th-grade math tutors.

📖Recommended Reading: 

• Best Tutoring Services for Math  
• Top Benefits of A Private High School Math Tutor  

What are the hardest topics in 6th-grade math?

Decimals and fractions, integers, variables, expressions, equations, and inequalities are considered the most challenging 6th-grade math topics. These are foundational algebraic topics taught to students in grade 6 math.

Decimals and Fractions

• Multiplying and dividing decimals
• Lowest common multiple
• Least common denominator
• Divisibility patterns
• Prime and composite numbers
• Factors and GCF
• Simplify fractions
• Equivalent fractions

Integers 

• Finding Rational Numbers on a Number Line
• Integers in the Real World
• Comparing and Ordering Integers
• Comparing Rational Numbers
• Multiplying and Dividing Integers
• One-Step Equations

Variables and Expressions

• Properties of Numbers
• Whole numbers and integers
• Algebraic Expressions
• Substitution and Evaluating Expressions
• Evaluating expressions with multiple variables
• Expression value intuition
• Evaluating expression word problems

Equations and Inequalities

• Algebraic equations basic
• One-step equations intuition
• One-step addition and subtraction equations
• One-step multiplication and division equations
• Intro to inequalities with variables
• Dependent and Independent variables
• Analyzing relationships between variables

📖 Recommended Reading: What happens if you fail in 6th-grade math class?

How to excel in difficult 6th-grade math concepts?

The transition from elementary school to middle school in 6th grade can pose significant challenges, especially in math. But don’t worry, our expert math tutors have these fantastic tips to help you do well in 6th-grade math: 

Keep a positive attitude

Having a negative mindset toward math will make it difficult for you to perform well. It’s important to have confidence in yourself and your math skills.

Furthermore, it’s not impossible to succeed in the future just because you didn’t do well in the past. So believe in the fact that you are good at math!

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

Making mistakes is a natural part of learning. It’s how you get better at math.

When you’re scared of making mistakes, you might not want to try solving math problems by yourself. You might rely too much on your teacher for help.

However, depending too much on others can hold you back from growing on your own in math. It can also make you less confident.

Instead, give solving math problems a shot on your own first. If you make a mistake, it’s okay! You can always ask your teacher for help afterward.

Study with friends

Learning math can be more enjoyable when done with friends. Some of your friends might know a concept better than you. You can learn from them.

Some others might know less than you, teach them. Teaching others helps you revise the lessons.

Take notes

You are helping yourself when you take notes during class. Note down definitions, formulas, and expressions. Take note of any important point that you want to remember. You can visit the notes again when you sit for self-practice.

Ask questions in class

Raise your hand and ask questions if you fail to understand what your teacher is explaining. It will help you build strong basics.

Remember we discussed how important it is to get the basics right? Don’t stress over sounding dumb.

Others are likely confused about the same issue you are if you are. It’s just that, you have the courage to ask it!

Complete your homework

Solving homework exercises is a great way to revise what you have been taught in class. It helps you stay on track with your math courses.

Seek help

Don’t hesitate to clarify doubts with teachers, friends, or family. Get help from 6th-grade Math Resources like worksheets, videos, and books.

Sometimes, you might need extra guidance and support from a professional tutor. You can ask your parents to contact 6th-grade math tutors for you.

📖For more useful tips, read 6th-grade Math Tips that actually work.

Final thoughts on “Is 6th-grade math hard?”

6th-grade math can be hard as it is the transition year from elementary school to middle school. The difficulty of 6th-grade math depends on factors like – your basic math skills, practice skills, and attention span. Fractions, decimals, and integers are considered the most challenging 6th-grade math topics. 

You can also struggle in 6th-grade math due to the increased complexity of the curriculum, improper time management, and lack of professional support. 

To succeed in 6th-grade math, you need to start with a positive mindset. Follow it up with consistent practice and take regular notes. Don’t hesitate to seek help from your teachers, friends, and family whenever in need.

Looking to Learn 6th Grade Math? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top 6th Grade Math Tutors for Concepts, Homework help, and Assignment Help!

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