Symbol Sense Ability of Students to Solve Linear, Quadratic, and Rational Equations
Siti Kurnia Nurjannah*, Al Jupri

Departemen Pendidikan Matematika, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
*sitikurnia.nurzannah[at]student.upi.edu

Abstract

Algebra is one of the core topics within high school mathematics that studies a generalized quantity of symbols in the form of letters, the relationship between symbols, and its manipulation. When studying algebra students are introduced to abstract letter symbols. The term symbol sense appears as sensitivity to symbols, which is considered as an important ability for students. In learning algebra, one of the skills needed to be acquired by students is solving equations, such as solving linear equations in one variable and quadratic equations. This study aims to analyze the symbol sense ability of students by investigating strategies used to solve algebraic equations that consist of linear, quadratic, and fraction equations. To reach this aim, a qualitative descriptive method was conducted. The instrument included a test with one linear equation, one quadratic equation, and three rational equations (involving linear and quadratic factors). The test was administered to twelve students from 12th-grade high school in Bandung. In this study, each student was asked to solve it in two different ways of answers if possible. The results showed that students are able to use symbol sense strategies for solving problems. However, there are still mistakes in solving algebraic squared values concepts, affecting their final results of the answers. We conclude that even if students can use their symbol sense ability properly, they need to pay attention to their mathematics concepts.

Keywords: Algebra- Symbol Sense- Equation solving strategies- Linear Equation in one variable- Quadratic Equation- Rational Equation

Topic: Mathematics Education