The role of arithmetic structure in the transition from arithmetic to algebra

This paper investigates students’ understanding of the associative law, commutative law, and addition and division as general processes after they have completed their primary school education. All these understandings are believed to assist successful transition from arithmetic to algebra. A written test was administered to 672 students. The results identified difficulties students are experiencing with these processes. Implications for teaching algebra at both primary and secondary levels are discussed.

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