Analysis of Solutions to a Problem Represented by a System of Equations

Abstract

Large-scale assessment projects of students´ performance in Brazil use descriptors to indicate abilities that students should develop in order to deal with real-life modeling problems, and one of these abilities is related to solving systems of equations. In this paper, we report on part of a research project developed with first-year students in mathematics courses enrolled in private universities in southern Brazil; one test question was chosen for an indepth analysis of written solutions to a system of linear equations. After classifying the work of the students, ideas about the meanings of symbol and structure were used to discuss difficulties that arose. It is considered that such an analysis can clarify aspects that must be the focus of future studies to help students and teachers to understand some problems presented in large-scale assessments. Keywords: Mathematics Education. System of Equations. Analysis of Solutions. Structure Sense. Assessment.