Identifier
etd-07102015-091513
Degree
Master of Natural Sciences (MNS)
Department
Mathematics
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate students’ understanding and knowledge of the equal sign, so that instructional resources could be identified to improve student’s conceptual understanding about mathematical equivalence. A test, consisting of a combination of items taken from previous studies, as well as items developed by the researchers, was designed to gauge students’ understanding of the equality symbol. The test was administered to 54 seventh-graders in Spring 2015. The results of the test indicated a significant number of students in our district have a limited understanding of mathematical equivalence. This papers ends with some suggested activities recommended to prepare students for formal courses in algebra by offering teachers opportunities to understand and develop their student’s grasp of equality and the equal sign.
Date
2015
Document Availability at the Time of Submission
Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.
Recommended Citation
Duncan, Christy De'sha, "A Study of Mathematical Equivalence: The Importance of the Equal Sign" (2015). LSU Master's Theses. 398.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/398
Committee Chair
Madden, James
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_theses.398