Learners’ Errors When Solving Trigonometric Equations and Suggested Interventions From Grade 12 Mathematics Teachers
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: The trigonometry content area has a weighting of 40 % in Grade 12 Mathematics Paper 2. Therefore, failure to understand trigonometry concepts on the part of the learners has a ripple effect on the success rate of the learners in Mathematics.This study sought to find out the problematic concept(s) and errors that learners have in solving trigonometry equations.The article gives some valuable suggestions for possible treatment of learners' errors when solving trigonometric equations.Particular types of errors that learners made when solving trigonometric equations, the possible causes, and ways in which this information might be used to structure instructional interventions, are described from the teachers' perspectives.Data were gleaned using an open-ended questionnaire and interviews of 10 Grade 12 Mathematics teachers.The teachers' responses to the questionnaire and interviews were analyzed thematically.The most common errors that the learners made as outlined by the teachers were selected.Data revealed that learners misinterpreted sine, cosine and tangent of an angle when their values were negative; failed to identify relevant quadrant and; made invalid inference (failed to recognize the reference angle).The study found learners commit errors in solving trigonometric equations and teachers have difficulties in teaching the same content.
Author: Benard Chigonga
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2746708818