Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.32728/mo.20.1.2025.04
Students’ Misconceptions in Right Triangle Trigonometry
Dijana Soldić
; XII. gimnazija, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
This paper investigates students’ misconceptions in right triangle trigonometry. The study was conducted with a sample of 58 first-grade grammar school students. The instrument consisted of ten statements requiring students to select one of the proposed categories and justify their choice. The results indicate the presence of conceptual misunderstandings related to definitions of trigonometric ratios, complementarity of acute angles, and relationships between sine and cosine. Quantitative analysis of response frequencies was complemented by qualitative analysis of students’ explanations, providing deeper insight into the structure of incorrect reasoning. The findings highlight the need for systematic development of conceptual understanding and the integration of diagnostic tasks in mathematics instruction.
Keywords
trigonometry; right triangle; misconceptions; diagnostic assessment
Hrčak ID:
351915
URI
Publication date:
7.10.2026.
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