The role of abstraction ability in mathematical problem solving

Abstract

Problem-solving is the ability that involves a cognitive process in solving a problem with several stages: understanding the problem, planning problem-solving strategies, implementing the chosen solution strategy, and re-examining problem-solving. Abstraction is the process of constructing a new structure so as to find new concepts or strategies that can be used in solving problems. Students can solve problems if mathematical concepts are embedded properly. Abstraction plays an important role in the process of solving mathematical problems because the process of abstraction is a fundamental process in embed the initial concepts of mathematics. In abstraction there are four stages that can affect the problem-solving process, recognition, representation, structural abstraction, and the highest stage is structural awareness. These abstraction stages play a role in the problem-solving process.