METHODS IN SOLVING RATIO AND PROPORTION PROBLEMS AMONG YEAR FIVE PUPILS

Abstract

Basic concepts of ratio and proportion are essential especially in solving problems in primary mathematics. This study aimed to identify seven Year Five pupils’ methods of solving ratio and proportion problems and was based on radical constructivism using case studies. The pupils were posed with word problems and using the clinical interview technique, data was collected through pupils’ visualization, verbal explanations, and written responses. The findings showed that the children used experience and previous ideas to reflect their thinking on ratio and proportion. Both procedural and conceptual methods were utilized by the year five pupils in solving the problems. The procedural methods consist of part-to-part and part-to-whole comparisons in stating the ratios. Equivalent ratios, simplified ratios and equivalent fractions were the conceptual methods used in solving the problems. It was identified that the pupils used the multiplicative relationship to interrelate ratios with proportions which will be the key in learning ratio and proportions.