Students Problem in Their First Trigonometry Class Ahmad Akrom Nur Fuqoha, Budiyono, Diari Indriati
Universitas Sebelas Maret
Abstract
Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with triangle and trigonometry function. Based on Curriculum 2013, students start to know trigonometry function in 10th grade. Trigonometry terms or symbols which are new for them cause them to make many mistakes when solving trigonometry problem. Researcher used descriptive method to find that problem of senior high school students in Purbalingga. Students are taken by stratified random sampling according to their achievement. The result of this study showed that not all students have similar problem. Students with the highest achievement, their problems are on the inaccuracy with the meaning of questions. Students with the middle and lowest achievement got problem with their concept and understanding about the trigonometry function. Students interpreted the value of trigonometry function operation only on the operating of the number in the function. Their understanding to the relation angle is also not completely clear, so that they could not use it to solve some identical problems. Therefore, when students faced the equation of relation angle they will guess and try all of possibilities to get the right answer.
