Investigating Students' Mathematical Difficulties with Quadratic Equations

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Author(s)
Reid O'Connor, Bronwyn
Norton, Stephen
Year published
2016
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This paper examines the factors that hinder students’ success in working with and
understanding the mathematics of quadratic equations using a case study analysis of student
error patterns. Twenty-five Year 11 students were administered a written test to examine their
understanding of concepts and procedures associated with this topic. The findings indicate
that students’ success was inhibited by errors that arose from a lack of procedural
understanding regarding fractions, algebraic processes, and conceptual understanding
regarding algebraic conventions. Without this prerequisite knowledge, working with and
understanding ...
View more >This paper examines the factors that hinder students’ success in working with and understanding the mathematics of quadratic equations using a case study analysis of student error patterns. Twenty-five Year 11 students were administered a written test to examine their understanding of concepts and procedures associated with this topic. The findings indicate that students’ success was inhibited by errors that arose from a lack of procedural understanding regarding fractions, algebraic processes, and conceptual understanding regarding algebraic conventions. Without this prerequisite knowledge, working with and understanding the nature of quadratics was hindered.
View less >
View more >This paper examines the factors that hinder students’ success in working with and understanding the mathematics of quadratic equations using a case study analysis of student error patterns. Twenty-five Year 11 students were administered a written test to examine their understanding of concepts and procedures associated with this topic. The findings indicate that students’ success was inhibited by errors that arose from a lack of procedural understanding regarding fractions, algebraic processes, and conceptual understanding regarding algebraic conventions. Without this prerequisite knowledge, working with and understanding the nature of quadratics was hindered.
View less >
Conference Title
Proceedings of the 39th Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia: Opening Up Mathematics Education Research
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© 2016 MERGA. The attached file is posted here with permission of the copyright owner for your personal use only. No further distribution permitted. For information about this conference please refer to the conference’s website or contact the author(s).
Subject
Mathematics and Numeracy Curriculum and Pedagogy