Common Misconceptions in Mathematics

Book excerpt: This book should be a handy tool for teachers of mathematics as they develop plans to confront the problem of misconceptions, which are common with students that often have their own notion of certain mathematical concepts, right or not. The onus is on the teacher to detect those misconceptions and help students remedy them. This book is written for that purpose. Teachers could emulate the presented strategies that the book has elucidated. Teachers may also devise their own strategies based on the source of the misconception as presented in the book. The research segment of each identified misconception will be helpful if teachers want to apprise themselves with what the literature says about the concept. In general, the book is meant for teachers who want to help students engage in mathematics that emphasize conceptual understanding.