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Ponte Academic Journal
Nov 2022, Volume 78, Issue 11

STUDENTS’ DIFFICULTIES IN SOLVING PROBLEMS USING MATRICES: A CASE STUDY

Author(s): Aneshkumar Maharaj ,Mthobisi Ntuli

J. Ponte - Nov 2022 - Volume 78 - Issue 11
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.11.5



Abstract:
Linear algebra is an important focus in the study of university mathematics. It is also used in other fields such as engineering, physics, and economics. Utilizing responses from online diagnostic quizzes, this study investigated the difficulties first-year mathematics students at a university encountered when solving problems using matrices. This paper reports on the analysis of students’ responses to four types of questions on matrices and their applications. To understand those students’ difficulties, this study focused on online items that tested: matrix multiplication; transpose of a matrix in the context of matrix multiplication; the inverse of a matrix, and the application of matrices. However, participating students had a high ability to multiply two matrices. This was supported by the interviewed student, who described matrix multiplication as very basic.
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