She stared at the page, convinced it was impossible.
The problem stretched on, step after step.
She wanted to give up.

But slowly, piece by piece, she worked through it.
And when the answer finally clicked, her whole face lit up.
That problem—the hardest one—became the one she was most proud of.

I’ve seen it again and again: the problems that frustrate students the most are the ones they carry with them the longest. Those victories matter.

Here’s what helps students turn those “impossible” problems into breakthroughs:

• Start small. Break the problem into smaller, manageable steps so the first success comes quickly.
• Organize your thoughts. Take notes of what is revealed in the problem - these are the clues to the puzzle.
• Switch the approach. A new model, drawing, relevant formula, or method often unlocks fresh understanding.
• Keep going. Struggle is part of the process, not a sign of weakness.

Even in my own home, I’ve seen this. My daughter (now in college) once showed me a math problem that filled several pages. It was long, detailed, and complicated, but she was proud of it. Because she had earned it.

The hardest problems are often the ones students are most proud of later. They remind us that effort and persistence build not just math skills, but confidence too.

To every breakthrough,
​The TBT Prep Team

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P.S. We’re enrolling now for fall classes—group and 1:1 options that meet students where they are and help them grow. Reach out if you’d like help finding the right fit!

P.P.S. If your child struggles with focus, join the waiting list for our brand-new Study Skills class. It’s designed to give students practical strategies for studying smarter, so they can tackle math with more confidence.

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