ERIC Number: EJ981384
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Nov
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-1954
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Students' Understanding of the General Notion of a Function of Two Variables
Martinez-Planell, Rafael; Trigueros Gaisman, Maria
Educational Studies in Mathematics, v81 n3 p365-384 Nov 2012
In this study we analyze students' understanding of two-variable function; in particular we consider their understanding of domain, possible arbitrary nature of function assignment, uniqueness of function image, and range. We use APOS theory and semiotic representation theory as a theoretical framework to analyze data obtained from interviews with thirteen students who had taken a multivariable calculus course. Results show that few students were able to construct an object conception of function of two variables. Most students showed difficulties finding domains of functions, in particular, when they were restricted to a specific region in the "xy" plane. They also showed that they had not fully coordinated their R[superscript 3], set, and function of one variable schemata. We conclude from the analysis that many of the interviewed students' notion of function can be considered as pre-Bourbaki.
Descriptors: Calculus, Mathematics Education, Interviews, Mathematics, Theories, Educational Research
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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