Analysis of common errors in simplifying algebraic problems among Grade 10 Learners

Paper

Olawale, Babawande Emmanuel, Adeniji, Saidat and Mabhoza, Zizipho. 2025. "Analysis of common errors in simplifying algebraic problems among Grade 10 Learners." S. M. Patahuddin, L. Gaunt, D. Harris and K. Tripet (ed.) 47th Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA47). Canberra, Australia 06 - 10 Jul 2025 Australia. Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA).
Paper/Presentation Title

Analysis of common errors in simplifying algebraic problems among Grade 10 Learners

Presentation TypePaper
AuthorsOlawale, Babawande Emmanuel, Adeniji, Saidat and Mabhoza, Zizipho
EditorsS. M. Patahuddin, L. Gaunt, D. Harris and K. Tripet
Journal or Proceedings TitleProceedings of the 47th Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA47)
Journal Citationpp. 333-340
Number of Pages8
Year2025
PublisherMathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA)
Place of PublicationAustralia
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttp://merga.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MERGA47_2025_Olawale_RR.pdf
Web Address (URL) of Conference Proceedingshttps://merga.net.au/publications/annual-conference-proceedings/2025-conference-proceedings/
Conference/Event47th Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA47)
Event Details
47th Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA47)
Parent
Annual conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia
Delivery
In person
Event Date
06 to end of 10 Jul 2025
Event Location
Canberra, Australia
Event Venue
University of Canberra
Event Web Address (URL)
Abstract

This paper analyses learners’ common errors in simplifying algebraic problems. 102 Grade 10 learners from three rural schools in South Africa participated in the study. Following a quantitative approach, content analysis of learners’ responses to algebraic tests revealed that while learners commit several errors in algebraic problems, encoding
and transformation errors were the most prominent. These errors are mainly due to the inability to utilise correct methods, misapplication and overlooking algebraic rules, and
failure to provide final answers to problems. The study highlights the need for remedial intervention, which has implications for improving mathematics teaching and learning.

Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390109. Mathematics and numeracy curriculum and pedagogy
Byline AffiliationsSchool of Education
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