Mathematical Reasoning Processes of Senior High School Students in Solving a Contextual Geometry Problem

Yusuf Arkham Prihandika (Universitas Negeri Semarang)
Wardono Wardono (Universitas Negeri Semarang)
Emi Pujiastuti (Universitas Negeri Semarang)
Walid Walid (Universitas Negeri Semarang)

Prisma Sains: Jurnal Pengkajian Ilmu dan Pembelajaran Matematika dan IPA IKIP Mataram
Vol. 14 No. 4: October 2026

Mathematical reasoning is a crucial competency in geometry, yet many students struggle to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world contexts. This study aims to analyze the mathematical reasoning processes of senior high school students when solving a contextual geometry problem. This study involved 36 eleventh-grade students at a senior high school in Central Java, selecting 3 subjects through purposive sampling for analysis. The supporting instruments used included a mathematical geometry reasoning test and an in-depth interview guide. The instruments used have gone through the stages of validity testing from experts. The approach used in this study is descriptive qualitative. The results showed that each subject had a tendency to have a relatively similar mathematical reasoning process but in S1 subjects made a unique representation because made an image first. This finding is of concern to teachers or practitioners that representation is an important part of the mathematical reasoning process, especially in geometry materials.