Conceptual and Procedural Understanding in the Division of Algebraic Fractions

Abstract

This study investigated the correlation between conceptual and procedural understanding of the division of algebraic fractions among junior high school students at a government-run university. It utilized descriptive and correlational research designs involving 109 enrolled Grade 8 students as study respondents. A validated algebra test questionnaire was the instrument used for the division of algebraic fractions. The Pearson product-moment correlation or Pearson r was used to assess the correlation between data variables. The findings revealed that the students poorly exhibited conceptual and procedural understanding in the division of algebraic fractions. There was a strong, highly positive, significant correlation between the students’ conceptual and procedural understanding in the division of algebraic fractions, which indicated that students' conceptual understanding goes hand in hand with their procedural understanding. Therefore, the higher the level of student conceptual understanding, the higher the level of procedural understanding and vice-versa.

Keywords

• algebraic fraction
• division
• conceptual understanding
• procedural understanding