ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS' DIFFICULTIES IN SOLVING MATRIX OPERATIONS PROBLEMS

Nisa Lestari; Intan Kemala Sari; Rahmat Fitra

doi:10.37478/jupika.v9i1.7576

Authors

Nisa Lestari Bina Bangsa Getsempena University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Intan Kemala Sari Bina Bangsa Getsempena University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Rahmat Fitra Bina Bangsa Getsempena University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37478/jupika.v9i1.7576

Abstract

This study aims to analyze students’ difficulties in solving matrix operation problems among Grade XI MIA 2 students at MAN 4 Aceh Besar. The identified difficulties include understanding concepts, using mathematical symbols, comprehending problems, and drawing conclusions. This research was motivated by students’ low mastery of basic matrix operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, identity matrices, determinants, and inverses of 2×2 matrices, indicating weak conceptual understanding. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed with 27 students as research subjects. Data were collected through written tests, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Written test results were analyzed based on difficulty indicators and supported by interviews with students who obtained low scores. The findings show that conceptual understanding difficulties were the most dominant (51.8%), reflected in errors in determining matrix order, applying row–column operations, and using determinant and inverse formulas. Errors in concluding accounted for 33.3%, while difficulties in using symbols and understanding problems reached 29.6%. These difficulties were caused by weak basic concepts, lack of accuracy, limited practice, and challenges in interpreting word problems. The study concludes that improving students’ understanding of matrix operations requires student-centred learning, visual media, structured practice, and guidance that emphasises procedural accuracy.

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Keywords:

Conceptual Understanding, Matrix Operations, Students’ Difficulties

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