Logical errors on proving theorem
Abstract
In tertiary level, students of mathematics education department attend some abstract courses, such as Introduction to Real Analysis which needs an ability to prove mathematical statements almost all the time. In fact, many students have not mastered this ability appropriately. In their Introduction to Real Analysis tests, even though they completed their proof of theorems, they achieved an unsatisfactory score. They thought that they succeeded, but their proof was not valid. In this study, a qualitative research was conducted to describe logical errors that students made in proving the theorem of cluster point. The theorem was given to 54 students. Misconceptions on understanding the definitions seem to occur within cluster point, limit of function, and limit of sequences. The habit of using routine symbol might cause these misconceptions. Suggestions to deal with this condition are described as well.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Physics Conference Series
- Pub Date:
- January 2018
- DOI:
- 10.1088/1742-6596/948/1/012059
- Bibcode:
- 2018JPhCS.948a2059S