Abstract:

In this study, it is aimed to explore problem solving abilities of the 9th and 11th grade students and to determine students’ development in solving realistic word problems by comparing the grades. The sample of this study comprises of totally 75 students attending two different high-schools in the city of Trabzon, 41 for 9 thgrade and 34 for 11 thgrade. The students were confronted with a three realistic problem and then their solutions were analyzed. To determine whether there is a significant difference between scores of 9 thand 11 thgrade students’ problem solving ability, the independent t test, .05 meaning level, was employed to these data. At the and of the study, it is concluded that most of the students have difficulty in solving realistic problems. Moreover, it was found out that the breaking point leading the students to fail the problem solving is the threshold of establishing mathematical model. On the other hand, it was observed that students are successful in finding out the solution set of inequality or equation that they reached, after expressing realistic-condition in a mathematical aspect.  

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