KESULITAN SISWA DALAM MENYELESAIKAN SOAL OPERASI BENTUK ALJABAR

Mathematics is very important in the face of science and technology and in life everyday. Algebra is one part of mathematics that is close to everyday life, therefore understanding algebraic concepts is necessary for students. Difficulties in one part of mathematics can affect the difficulties of the other. This study aims to determine the difficulties experienced by students in solving the problem of algebraic operations. This type of research is qualitative research. Subjects in this study were students of class VIII D SMP Negeri 1 Salam Magelang, Central Java in the odd semester of the academic year 2016/2017. Data collection methods used include algebraic and open-ended operation tests. Data analysis techniques include data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions. The result of the research stated that there are students' difficulties in doing algebraic problems related to concept and principle. Difficulties experienced by students related to the concept of difficulty in determining variables and constants, including not understanding the definitions of variables and constants, and difficulties in applying the concept of division on algebra. While the difficulty experienced in terms of principle is the application of the principle of addition to the algebraic form, the reduction in algebraic form, multiplication on the algebraic form, simplifying algebraic fractions, factoring, and solving algebra-related stories