Abstract:

Research shows that middle school students use a variety of strategies to solve proportion related problems (Hart, 1981). Mathematically, there is a connection between proportional reasoning and steepness, since steepness can be measured by the proportion which is the slope of a line. In this study, sixteen middle school students’ solution strategies in solving problems regarding steepness are explored, based upon their abilities to solve proportion related problems. Two tests were administered to students: an adapted version of the Ratio and Proportion Test (Brown, et al., 1981) and a Steepness Test (Author, 2013). This article contributes to literature on early algebraic reasoning exploring applications of proportional reasoning.

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