ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS’ PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY ON GRADE VII IN LINEAR EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES OF ONE VARIABLE

Abstract

This study was a qualitative research. The purpose of this study was to determine students’ mathematical problem solving ability on grade VII on linear equations and inequalities of one variable.The research was conducted at SMP Negeri 9 Palopo the academic year 2015/2016.The instrument used in this study were (1) test problem solving ability (2) guidelines for the interview.Data analysis techniques in this study consisted of (1) data reduction, (2) data presentation, (3) verification and conclusion.The indicators of students’ problem solving that are (1) understand the problem,(2) formulate a plan of solving problem, (3) implement theplan ofproblem solving, (4) review.Research results obtained on a subject of high rate capability (SH), a subject of medium capability (SM), the subject of lowcapability (SL) on each of the indicators, among them are;1) the subject of high rate capability (SH) in problem solving can complete four stages of Polya well. Difficulty experienced by SH in solving linear equations and inequalities of one variables is skill difficulty,2) the subject of medium capability (SM) in problem solving can complete four stages Polya, but incomplete. This subject is said to be still lacking in resolve the problem solving. Difficulties experienced by the subject of medium capability(SM) in solving linear equations and inequalities of one variable were the principle difficulty and skill difficulty,3) the subject of low capability (SL) in problem solving, gave no completion indicator correctly so that the subject is considered still low in problem solving.Difficulties experienced by SL in solving linear equations and inequalities of one variables were difficultyof concept, principle, and skill.