Mathematical errors in advanced calculus: A survey among engineering students / Maisurah Shamsuddin … [et al.]

Mathematics is widely used in all areas of learning. Students who do not
master the basic mathematics will face many problems in learning at the
advanced level. This study was conducted to identify the mathematical errors
and misconceptions in advanced calculus. The related topics are differentiation
of two variables, method of integration, and differential equation. A sample of
80 students’ final examination answer sheets for the subject of MAT235 was
closely examined to identify the mathematical errors and misconceptions. The
technique used to collect the data is quantitative method using descriptive
analysis. The findings of this study showed that most of the students were still
weak in mastering mathematical basic facts and concepts. The weakness in
understanding the basic concepts may lead them to use the wrong strategy
when solving mathematics questions. This misconception should be identified
by the lecturers and rectified by the students in order to enhance their learning
in higher education.