Originally Posted by 22B
Is this a situation where student are expected to solve more complex problems, using novel combinations of basic things they have been taught? If so, that's a good thing, though it should start earlier.
Yes it's a good thing but as he is struggling with it he needs more practice doing this kind of problem. I tried looking for practice books & online problems sets but it's harder to find practice problems that are relevant. Most standard extra practice books are just more of the simple problems.