High School Students' Mathematical Representation Ability in Solving Composition and Inverse Function Problems with Local Wisdom Nuances

Abstract

April, West Java, Indonesia

*Correspondence: mimih_fkip@unsap.ac.id

ABSTRACT

This study aims to analyze the mathematical representation ability of high school students in solving the problem of composition functions and inverse functions with nuances of Sumedang local wisdom. Using a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design, involving 31 grade XII students of SMA Negeri 2 Sumedang as research subjects. Data were collected through a mathematical representation ability test with nuances of local wisdom and semi-structured interviews with 4 students. The results showed that students' overall mathematical representation ability was in the medium category (49%) with a hierarchy: symbolic (58%), visual > (50%), > verbal (40%). Verbal indicators were identified as the most challenging due to procedural learning habits, unfamiliarity with non-routine problems, and limited perception of the nature of mathematics. The context of local wisdom has been shown to provide positive motivational value and increase awareness of the relevance of mathematics, but it is not effective as a cognitive bridge when it is only integrated into test instruments. These findings imply the need to familiarize students with non-routine questions that require verbal skills, the integration of local wisdom in learning, and the development of balanced representation skills for students to face the challenges of the 21st century.