ABSTRACT
Algebraic expressions are an essential topic
in the mathematics curriculum as they are interrelated in the application of
problem-solving in science and mathematics. Previous studies showed that most
students have a low level of understanding of algebraic expressions. This study
was conducted to identify the type of student error in learning Algebra
Expression topics among Form 4 students. A total of 67 students from Secondary
School Putrajaya, comprising 31 males and 36 females, were involved in the
study. The instrument used in this study was the Algebraic Expression
Diagnostic Test with a reliability value of α = 0.819. This diagnostic test
covers two critical concepts in algebraic expressions, namely the development and functioning
of algebraic expressions. The types of errors are classified according to
Newman’s Error Hierarchical Model, such as
the reading error, comprehension, transformation, process skills,
encoding or negligence. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, namely mean, frequency, and
percentage. Inferential statistics, namely the
Pearson r correlation. The findings show that students often make the wrong
kind of process skills. No students made any reading mistakes. The number of
students who form the wrong kind of comprehension, transformation, encoding, and negligence
is small. Student’s error in the topic of algebraic expressions is due to
students’ weaknesses in finding the most significant common factor,
cross-sectional processes, and weaknesses in mastering fractions and negative
numbers. It is hoped that the information obtained in this study will help
students and teachers to solve learning problems related to the topic of
algebraic expressions.