Abstract
Problem solving provides an opportunity for learners to explore ideas and to extend their creativity, specifically if they are exposed to strategies that translate text into mathematical expressions. Number pattern problems allow learners to make predictions and justify their reasoning when solving problems. However, the solving of number pattern problems is often regarded as difficult for learners to do. Many learners use irrelevant strategies to solve number pattern problems and cannot easily identify number patterns embedded in problems. They also lack an understanding of the mathematical concepts of number patterns, which results in them not being able to solve algebraic problems or translate algebraic problems into mathematical equations. A reason for these difficulties could be that teachers often do not expose learners to various strategies for solving number pattern problems. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate grade 9 mathematics learners’ strategies in solving number pattern problems. Knowledge about learners’ strategies will assist teachers in the teaching of problem solving and guide them to introduce various strategies, which can assist in the solving of number-related problems...
M.A. (Mathematics Education)