Mathematical proof analysis using mathematical induction of grade XI students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview on how students do mathematical proof using mathematical induction through the activity of compiling and validating proof. It is known that mathematical induction is a proof used to prove the truth of a mathematical statement related to natural numbers. The subjects of this study were 34 students of grade XI SMA Negeri 13 Palembang. The results showed that (1) students were able to prove on the base of the induction step by showing the truth when n is assumed by one member of a natural number, (2) students were able to make a mathematical induction hypothesis by assuming the statement n = k is true, (3) students still make mistakes in performing mathematical induction steps precisely on the part when doing algebra manipulation to prove n = k + 1 is true from the statement n = k that has been considered true, and (4) Students still do not understand the concept of mathematical induction as indicated by the large number of students unable to do the activities of compiling proof by mathematical induction and there are still some students who write conclusions on the activity of compiling proof that the statement is proven true without showing the truth of the induction step