Journal of Educational Sciences
Vol. 10 No. 9 (2026): Journal of Educational Sciences

Mathematical Reasoning of 9th-Grade Students at SMP Negeri 19 Palu in Solving Systems of Linear Equations with Two Variables: A Case Study on Gender-Based Differences

Yayuk Nurhayati (Mathematics Education Study Program, Tadulako University, Palu City, 94148, Indonesia)
Ibnu Hadjar (Mathematics Education Study Program, Tadulako University, Palu City, 94148, Indonesia)
Sukayasa Sukayasa (Mathematics Education Study Program, Tadulako University, Palu City, 94148, Indonesia)
Mubarik Mubarik (Mathematics Education Study Program, Tadulako University, Palu City, 94148, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Sep 2026

Abstract

Mathematical reasoning ability is the capacity for logical thought in analyzing information, formulating arguments, and drawing verifiable conclusions. This study aimed to analyze the mathematical reasoning abilities of male and female ninth-grade students at SMP Negeri 19 Palu when solving word problems involving Systems of Linear Equations with Two Variables (SPLDV). A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, involving two students from class IX-C one male and one female selected purposively based on high mathematics grades in their report cards. The mathematical reasoning indicators used were based on those proposed by Vebrian: (1) making conjectures, (2) performing mathematical manipulations, (3) constructing proofs or providing reasons, and (4) drawing conclusions. Data were collected through observation, written tests, and semi-structured interviews, and subsequently analyzed qualitatively. The results revealed a difference in mathematical reasoning ability between the female and male subjects when solving SPLDV problems. The female student met all mathematical reasoning indicators and was able to correct calculation errors to arrive at the correct answer. Conversely, the male student did not meet all the indicators, particularly regarding the formulation of conjectures, and made several calculation errors. Thus, the female student demonstrated superior mathematical reasoning ability compared to the male student in solving SPLDV problems.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JES

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Library & Information Science Other

Description

JES publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring regionally and internationally in the educational sciences with the aim to advance our knowledge both in term of theory and practice. Moreover, this journal also covers the issues concerned with the following special sections: ...