Investigating Students’ Mathematical Problem-Solving Errors on Relations and Functions Through Newman’s Error Analysis
Main Article Content
Abstract
Purpose – Students’ mathematical problem-solving ability remains low, particularly in the topic of relations and functions, as evidenced by frequent errors in solving problem-solving tasks. This study aims to identify and analyze the types of errors made by eighth-grade students in solving mathematical problem-solving questions on relations and functions using Newman’s Error Analysis.
Methodology – This study employed a qualitative, descriptive research design. The participants were 29 Grade VIII.6 students from State Junior High School 1 Rambah. Data were collected through written problem-solving tests, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. The data were analyzed using Newman’s Error Analysis framework, which includes reading, comprehension, transformation, process skills, and encoding stages, following the steps of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.
Findings – The results indicated that the least frequent error was reading errors (36.2%), followed by comprehension errors (91.4%) and transformation errors (89.7%). The most frequent errors were process skills errors and encoding errors, each occurring in 100% of students’ responses. These findings suggest that students experience significant difficulties in executing mathematical procedures and expressing final answers correctly.
Novelty – This study provides a detailed error profile of students’ problem-solving processes on relations and functions using Newman’s Error Analysis, highlighting critical stages where students consistently fail.
Significance – The findings benefit mathematics teachers, curriculum developers, and researchers by providing insights into common student errors and supporting the development of instructional strategies that utilize students’ errors as learning resources to improve problem-solving ability.
Article Details
References
Apriliani, A., Kania, N., & Umar, N. (2025). Developing Teaching Materials to Enhance Critical Thinking Skills through Group Investigation in Composite Functions. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 2(1), 19–34. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v2i1.1347
Ashari, F. N., Mayda, N. K., & Wahyuni, R. (2025). Students’ Mathematical Reasoning Ability on The System of Linear Equations of Two Variables in Grade VIII. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 2(2), 77–85. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v2i2.1488
Cahyani, R. I., Iskandar, R. S. F., Sukmawati, R., & Raza, A. (2024). Development of Teaching Modules in Problem-Based Mathematics Learning to Improve Junior High School Students’ Mathematical Literacy. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 1(2), 84–97. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v1i2.1247
Dhani, W. R., Nurrahmawati , N., Afri , L. E., & Khan, M. A. (2025). Error Analysis of Students in Solving Algebraic Expression Problems Using the Newman Procedure. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 2(2), 86–95. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v2i2.1529
Halim, F. A., & Rasidah, N. I. (2019). Analysis of students' errors in solving social arithmetic story problems based on Newman's procedure. GAUSS: Journal of Mathematics Education, 2(1), 35–44. https://doi.org/10.30656/gauss.v2i1.1406
Hayu, S. R., & Angraini, L. M. (2024). Research Trends of Students’ Mathematical Ability on Algebra Materials Based on Gender: Bibliometric Analysis. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 1(2), 120–128. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v1i2.1268
Islamiyah, I., Nasrullah, A., Yendra, N., Ratnasari, S., & Khan, H. A. (2024). Empowering Problem-Solving Abilities and Self-Esteem in Students: Implementing the Teams Games Tournament (TGT) Model in Class VIII of MTS Daar Al-Ilmi. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 1(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v1i1.1157
Loska, F., Ayuni, A., & Ainirohmah, N. (2024). Exploring Potential: Analysis of Students’ Mathematical ProblemSolving Ability on System of Linear Inequalities in Two Variables (SLITV) Material. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 1(1), 48–60. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v1i1.1168
Parindang, E. A., Ramlan, W., Wahyuni, R., & Salman , M. (2025). Identification of Junior High School Students’ Mathematical Problem Solving Abilities on Number Patterns. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 2(2), 67–76. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v2i2.1487
Miranda, P., Sumartono, S., & Prastiwi, L. (2024). Analysis of students' errors in solving geometric transformation problems based on Newman's theory is reviewed from the student's learning style. Syntax Imperative: Journal of Social Sciences and Education, 5(2), 336–347. https://doi.org/10.36418/syntaximperatif.v5i2.410
Mulya, D., Darwati, J., & Sarah Inayah. (2024). Exploring Middle School Students’ Mathematical Connection Skills in Solving Systems of Linear Equations. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 1(1), 61–69. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v1i1.1176
Madya, N. K., Angraini, L. M., & Bonyah, E. (2025). Analysis of Mathematical Creative Thinking Ability Based on Students’ Academic Ability. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 2(1), 9–18. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v2i1.1331
Nurfalah, I. A., Novtiar, C., & Rohaeti, E. E. (2021). Analysis of student errors based on Newman categories in solving function material problems. Journal of Innovative Mathematics Learning, 4(1), 205–214. https://doi.org/10.22460/jpmi.v4i1.p%25p
Rahmayanti, I., & Maryati, I. (2021). Junior high school students' mistakes in problem solving problems based on Newman's theoretical stages. Plusminus: Journal of Mathematics Education, 1(1), 61–70. https://doi.org/10.31980/plusminus.v1i1.873
Rosita, Y., & Novtiar, H. (2021). Analysis of the mistakes of vocational school students in solving three-dimensional problems based on Newman's procedure. Indonesian Journal of Mathematics Education (JPMI), 6(1), 42–50. https://journal.ikipsiliwangi.ac.id/index.php/jpmi/article/view/4034
Sa’dah, N. R., Afri, L. E., Nurrahmawati, N., & Arcat, A. (2025). Exploring Numeracy Skills in Algebra: A Cognitive Reasoning Analysis of Middle School Students in Indonesia. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 2(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v2i1.1332
Suryani , P., Nurrahmawati, N., Afri, L. E., & Arcat, A. (2025). Students’ Errors in Solving Algebraic Dominant Numeration Problems Based on Kastolan Theory . International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 2(2), 96–105. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v2i2.1491
Widada, W., & Priyono, B. (2019). Analysis of students' mistakes in solving mathematical story problems based on Newman's procedure. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Mathematics Education, 1, 101–110.
Yusuf Devan Nr, Angraini, L. M., & Sadiq, H. (2025). Research Trends on Mathematical Problem-Solving Ability Analysis From 2015 to 2024: Bibliometric Analysis. International Journal of Applied Learning and Research in Algebra, 2(2), 106–118. https://doi.org/10.56855/algebra.v2i2.1528
Zainal Abidin, K., Kadir, K., & Arapu, L. (2020). Analysis of mistakes of grade IX students of SMP 2 Kendari in solving mathematical literacy problems. Journal of Educational Charities, (1), 52–62. https://doi.org/10.36709/japend.v1i1.11435