Solving a mathematical problem in different ways: A case of calculating the distance from a point to a plane

Bui Phuong Uyen , Duong Huu Tong * , Ha Hoang Quoc Thi and Nguyen Quoc Khanh

* Corresponding author (dhtong@ctu.edu.vn)

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Received: 12 Dec 2017
Revised: 16 Mar 2018
Accepted: 30 Nov 2018
Published: 03 Nov 2018
DOI: 10.22144/ctu.jen.2018.038
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How to Cite
Bui, P. U., Duong, H. T., Ha, H. Q. T., & Nguyen, Q. K. (2018). Solving a mathematical problem in different ways: A case of calculating the distance from a point to a plane. CTU Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development , 54(10), 54-62. https://doi.org/10.22144/ctu.jen.2018.038
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No. 10 (2018)

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Abstract

Problem solving helps students to consolidate their knowledge, skills and develop their thinking. In particular, solving a mathematical problem in different ways promotes more of this meaning because to do this, students must mobilize a lot of knowledge, skills and many different kinds of thinking. Therefore, one of the ways to develop creative thinking in learning mathematics is to solve a problem in a number of ways. A sample consisted of 138 students in Can Tho city and Hau Giang province and they solved the problem of calculating the distance from a point to a plane. The results showed that a large number of students only solved it in one way and only 32 students addressed it in two ways. Also, when solving the problem, students made many errors for various reasons.   
Keywords: different ways, distance from a point to a plane, geometrical problem, mathematics education, problem solving

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