The Analysis of Student Error in Solve the Problem of Spherical Trigonometry Application

Abstract

Students tend to memorize the concept of trigonometry given by lecturers or written in textbooks without understanding the purpose and content in solving the problem trigonometry, so that students often experience errors in solving the problem trigonometry. Error student in doing trigonometry problem is one of the clues to detect student difficulties. The failure is a form of deviation from the right, the prescribed procedure, or the deviation from the expected. This research type is descriptive qualitative, which aims to get information about mistakes of students of mathematics education semester 2 of trigonometry of Academic Year 2017/2018 Universitas Al Asyariah Mandar, in solving the problem of spherical trigonometric applications consisting of 2 questions, (1) determining the direction qibla; and (2) distance between 2 countries. The types of errors in solving the problems referred to in the study grouped according to the classification of Newman’s faults namely, (1) the failure of process skills; (2) carelessness/inaccuracies; (3) misunderstanding of problems; (4) errors in the use of notation; and (5) misconceptions of concepts. The instrument used to reveal the type of error is a diagnostic test that contains two questions concerning the application of spherical trigonometry and interviews. After triangulation, the most common mistake made by the student is the misconception of the concept. Student made a mistake because of lack of understanding the correct concept in this case that is the analogy of Napier in solving the matter of calculating the distance between two countries and the spherical triangle formula to solve the problem calculate the direction of qibla.