One possible approach students can cope with abstract algebra concepts is reducing abstraction. This notion occurs when learners are unable to adopt mental strategies as they deal with abstraction level of a given task. To make these concepts mentally accessible for themselves, learners unconsciously reduce the level of the abstraction of the…

This paper reports a study that sought to explain student understanding of the concept of linear inequality as presented in a problem-solving setting. In the course of data analysis, the transition from arithmetic to algebra emerged as a critical issue. Therefore, the study examined the differences in the problem-solving activities of solvers who…

This study sought to provide an explanation of (n=13) university students' understanding of the concept of linear inequality as presented in a problem-solving setting. In the course of the analysis of the data, the transition from arithmetic to algebra emerged as a critical issue. Therefore, the study examines the differences in the…

This study examined the problem-solving behaviors, strategies, and achievement of college students enrolled in a one-semester college algebra and statistics course, with respect to the content areas of quantitative literacy, connections between algebraic and graphical representations, and mathematical modeling. Four instructional units of this…

The series "Soviet Studies in the Psychology of Learning and Teaching Mathematics" is a collection of translations from the Soviet Literature of the past twenty-five years on research in the psychology of mathematical instruction. Also included are works on methods of teaching mathematics directly influenced by this research. The aim of…

Strategies for problem solving are discussed in the first chapter in Unit 10 of this SMSG series. The second chapter covers the following algebra topics: solving simple equations and inequalities, simplifying expressions, solving fractional equations and solving inequalities involving fractions, factors whose product is zero, and factoring. See SE…

Twenty-six structural variables were defined and investigated using a set of algebraic word problems solved by 96 college students. The study attempted to identify a small independent well-defined set of arithmetic, linguistic, and algebraic structural variables which account for a maximum amount of the variance of the observed probability correct…

Identifying the larger (L), smaller (S) and difference (D) of two real numbers, and then selecting the appropriate relationship between L, D, and S can help students solve algebra word problems. (SD)

A question as to the number of stitches needed for a particular triangular crocheted scarf gives rise to the use of several methods of solution including arithmetic series. (MN)

Two mathematical topics are interpreted from the viewpoints of traditional (performing algorithms) and contemporary (creating algorithms and thinking in terms of them for solving problems and developing theory) algorithmic mathematics. The two topics are Horner's method for evaluating polynomials and Gauss's method for solving systems of linear…

This article presents, in the context of solving a specific mathematical problem, an argument to indicate how problem posing can lead to a deeper understanding of what is involved in the act of problem solving. (DT)

Four problems concerning the maximum number of regions determined by circles and polygons are explored. (DT)

An algebra problem is analyzed, and several variations are suggested for further student inquiry. Practical applications of the problem are discussed. (DT)

As part of a larger investigation of preservice teachers' use of, and movement amongst, various modes of representing exponential relationships, this report focuses on one case study, that of Mike, whose facility in moving amongst representational registers was not matched by conceptual understanding of the underlying mathematical ideas as he…