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This study explores secondary school students' difficulties in solving word problems involving linear equations. The study found that students were able to solve linear equations independently but struggled to translate word problems into mathematical expressions. Common issues identified included a lack of practice translating problems, difficulty using mathematical operations and identifying relevant variables, and a lack of confidence. The study suggests teaching explicit problem-solving techniques, using real-world examples, breaking problems into steps, and providing guided practice and feedback to help students overcome these difficulties.

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Anju Sali
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43 views5 pages

Project

This study explores secondary school students' difficulties in solving word problems involving linear equations. The study found that students were able to solve linear equations independently but struggled to translate word problems into mathematical expressions. Common issues identified included a lack of practice translating problems, difficulty using mathematical operations and identifying relevant variables, and a lack of confidence. The study suggests teaching explicit problem-solving techniques, using real-world examples, breaking problems into steps, and providing guided practice and feedback to help students overcome these difficulties.

Uploaded by

Anju Sali
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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A STUDY ON STUDENT’S DIFFICULTIES IN MATHEMATISING WORD

PROBLEMS
Abstract
Algebra serves as a stepping stone for higher level math courses such as
calculus, trigonometry and linear algebra. Algebra enables students to
think critically and make connections and apply logical reasoning. Solving
word problems is among the main difficulties in algebra for many
secondary school students all over the world. This objectives of this study
is to explore the student’s difficulties while solving linear equations, to
analyze the difficulties faced by students while solving linear equations
and to suggest remedial measures.
KEYWORDS
Mathematising, Word problem, Algebra
INTRODUCTION
This study is to explore, analyze and suggest remedies for the difficulties
faced by students while solving linear equations and difficulties in
converting word problems to linear equations. The students mainly face
difficulty in translating a realistic problem into symbolic mathematical
world and vice versa. Most of the students fail to formulate the problem
into mathematical model and thereby fails to solve such problems . To be
successful in solving word problems students need to learn how to read
such problems. students must learn to read between the lines and
understand what they are expected to do mathematically. This study is
conducted to find out the problems faced by secondary students in
solving linear equations and converting real world problems into
mathematical equations.
NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
In an increasingly data-driven world being able to understand and
interpret the quantitative data information is vital. mathematics helps
students to recognize patterns ,identify relationships and understand the
underlying structure of problems .the problem solving skill is essential for
identifying problems in various contexts formulating strategies to solve
them. The difficulty of students in solving word problems need to be
identified to determine factors causing it can be used to improve quality
of teaching and learning activities in mathematics and ultimately is
expected to improve achievements in math learning.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
• To explore students difficulties while solving linear equations.
• To analyze the difficulties faced by students while solving linear
equations.
• To suggest remedial measures.
METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE
Survey method was adopted for the study the necessary data were
collected from 20 secondary school students of different schools in
Kottayam A questionnaire consist of 17 questions were provided to the
students through google form.
QUESTIONNAIRE
• Are you interested in linear equations?
• Are you able to translate real world problems into algebraic
expressions ?
• Identify linear equation in one variable from the following.
• 2 added to twice a number gives 8 . Express the statement as an
equation.
• Five added to a number gives 9 . Express the statement as an
equation.
• x – 7 = 2 . Find corresponding statement.
• Are you able to identify the variables and relationship between
different quantities mentioned in the problem?
• Are you good at expressing the given information and relations
using mathematical language?
• 8-x x = 4. Solve the equation.
• Find out the solution of 3x + 2=5. Are e you able to find out the
exact solution of given linear equations?
• Do you have problems in dealing with fundamental mathematical
operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division?
• Do you try to avoid problems involving negative numbers?
• Do you find it difficult to simplify or combine like terms?
• Are you able to use distributive property properly for solving linear
equations?
• Do you need more practice in solving linear equations?
• What do you expect to change in the mathematics classroom to
improve better understanding of linear equations?

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION


By analyzing the overall result , we can conclude that students can solve
linear equations. But they face difficulties while converting the word
problems to linear equations. Most of the students were unable to
express the given information and relations using mathematical
language. Even though the students were able to solve the linear
equations, they lack confidence. Most of the students had difficulties in
dealing with mathematical operations and dealing with problems
involving negative number.
FINDINGS
Through the study I found out that most of the students were able to
solve the problems and find out solutions. But they were unable to
convert the word problems into linear equations. The causes of the
difficulties were identified to be lack of practice, lack of vocabulary and
comprehension, incorrect use of mathematical operations, difficulty in
interchanging values, inability to identify variables, carelessness, and lack
of confidence.
SUGGESTIONS
• Provide explicit instruction on problem solving techniques such as
identifying key information, restating the problem in mathematical
terms.
• Present word problems that relate to everyday situation and real
world context.
• Breakdown complex word problems into smaller and manageable
steps.
• Provide guided practice to students.
• Teach students to identify relevant details and extract essential
information from word problems.
• Encourage students to represent word problems visually.
• Encourage collaborative learning.
• Offer timely feedback and reflection
CONCLUSION
Linear equations are widely used to solve left real world problems that
involve relationship between variables. The study was conducted to
address the difficulties faced by secondary school students in
mathematising word problems. The study aimed to explore ,analyze and
identify student’s difficulties in converting real world problems or
statement to mathematical equations. The problems and causes were
identified and suggested essential remedies. Thus it is evident that we
need to provide more practice and use effective teaching strategies to
students as they are struggling to mathematize the word problems.

REFERENCES
• Jupri, AI & Drijvers , Paul (2015). Students difficulties in
mathematising word problems in algebra. Eurasia Journal of
Mathematics , Science & Technology Education , 12(9) , 2481-2502
doi: 10.12973 / eurasia.2016.1299a
• Capone, R; Filiberti, F ; Lemmo , A(2021). Analysing Difficulties in
Arithmetic Word Problem Solving; An Epistemological Case Study
in Primary School. Educ. Sci. 2021,11,596,
https://doi.org/10.3390/edusci11100596
• Kate, Natalie; Glen , John & Jan , Darin (2019). Student’s Difficulties
in Translating Mathematics Word Statements. Journal of
Humanities and Educational Development, 2581-8651
• EPL, Emmanuel et al (2021)). Enhancing students ability to word
problems in Mathematics. Journal of Physics: Conf.Ser.1832012056
• Juanti , L ; Hartono. Y & Darmawijoyo (2019). Student’s
understanding of system of linear equations through
mathematical modelling. IOP Conf.Series: Journal of Physics: Conf.
Series1166(2019)012023 . doi:10.1088/1742-
6596/1166/1/012023

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