Elementary students' representations in solving word problems

Abstract

The mathematical representation is essential for students as a means of communicating their ideas so it will be easier for them to solve the problems that they may face. In solving word problems, students learn how to develop their models because, in principle, every individual has their way of understanding things. The purpose of this study was to describe the representation of third-grade elementary school students in solving mixed arithmetic operations word problems. Students' representation data were obtained from the results of the test related to word problems, and task-based interviews with two students. The results showed that the students used images, mathematical expressions, and word representations. This research implies that the teachers need to develop tasks for the students along with the answer alternatives by taking into consideration various representations that might be provided by the students.