Determining eighth grade students' understandings and difficulties of linear functions

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine eighth grade students' understandings and difficulties of linear functions, especially on transition between line graphs and equations. This study was conducted with sixty 8th grade students from Turkey. A nine-item instrument demanding written answers about graphical and algebraic representations of linear equations and theirs graphs was used. It was found that students mostly have difficulties about transferring from graphical to algebraic representation. It was also determined that some students could not comprehend the connection between slope, x and y-intercepts. This study revealed that many students' understandings of line graph and its equation was superficial. The results provide us a means for discussing students' conceptualizations and difficulties of linear functions and also allow us to consider further educational implications in mathematics education.