Abstract
This study focuses on connections between linear functions and their graphs that were made by tertiary remedial algebra students. In particular, we describe students’ work on a Task designed to examine the connection between points on a graph and the equation of a line. The data consist of 63 responses to a written questionnaire and individual interviews with three participants. The results indicate that visual approaches impede students’ solutions and point to incomplete connections between algebraic and graphical representation. While algebraic approaches point to various connections used in approaching the Task, students’ ability to work with algebraic representation did not necessarily result in capitalizing on these connections. Furthermore, interpretations of the graph based on visual inspection appeared most useful when used in support of the algebraic approach.
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Glen, L., Zazkis, R. On Linear Functions and Their Graphs: Refining the Cartesian Connection. Int J of Sci and Math Educ 19, 1485–1504 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-020-10113-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-020-10113-6