ETA: 7th grade CC math has students solving equations that are algebra (see example below). My DS told me that he had done that last year, and didn't really get it then, either. Do you think your DD could have been in the same boat? It might explain why her algebra is shaky, as you described.

Originally Posted by 7th grade CC math
Solve word problems leading to inequalities of the form px + q > r or px + q < r, where p, q, and r are specific rational numbers. Graph the solution set of the inequality and interpret it in the context of the problem. For example: As a salesperson, you are paid $50 per week plus $3 per sale. This week you want your pay to be at least $100. Write an inequality for the number of sales you need to make, and describe the solutions.