Understanding algebra at form four level

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the misconceptions pupils have in algebra. It is aimed at tracing the pupils' misconceptions of the meanings given to the letter 'x', and on the difficulties they encounter in symbolization. The research consisted predominantly of an algebra test paper which was given to a sample of Form Four pupils during their normal school mathematics lessons. The data collected also included some interviews which were carried out with a smaller sample of students. The overall conclusion of this study is that pupils' misunderstanding of algebraic ideas depends very much on the teaching method and on the fact that the concepts involved are themselves abstract and difficult. A few suggestions are given at the end so as one may avoid the misconceptions referred to.