Open AccessMisconceptions of basic algebra on linear equation in one variable material
Author(s) -
Hajra Yansa,
Heri Retnawati,
Miftakhul Adni Janna
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of physics. conference series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.21
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1742-6596
pISSN - 1742-6588
DOI - 10.1088/1742-6596/1882/1/012091
Subject(s) - nonprobability sampling , test (biology) , mathematics education , variable (mathematics) , algebra over a field , linear algebra , algebraic number , mathematics , variables , function (biology) , constant (computer programming) , computer science , psychology , statistics , pure mathematics , medicine , population , mathematical analysis , geometry , paleontology , environmental health , evolutionary biology , biology , programming language
This research was conducted to identify students’ misconceptions of algebraic concepts. The researcher implemented a qualitative method with phenomenological design. The data were collected by conducting a test and an interview. Thirty students at the seventh grade were given a test, and six students were chosen to be interviewed. The subjects were selected by applying a purposive sampling technique. The research results indicated that the students have several misconceptions of basic algebra, such as on the degrees of the equation, variables, coefficients, and constants. Besides, students have difficulties identifying some variables in a function which resulted in errors in identifying the general form of linear equation in one variable. In other words, the students have not reached the algebraic thinking level yet. One of the factors which cause misconception is students’ understanding of the basic concepts presented in the textbook, and the information delivered by the teacher was understood partially. As a result, the implications of this study are the students need special assistance. At the same time, innovative teaching strategies must be implemented by the teacher in teaching linear equation in one variable.