This study intends to analyze students' ability to determine the order of positive and negative integers and to identify the difficulties they experience in understanding the concept. The subject matter is important because many students still experience confusion in comparing and ordering integers, especially when negative numbers are involved. This type of research uses a qualitative-descriptive approach. This study was conducted in grade VI of a public junior high school 13, Jember, with 32 students selected based on the willingness of the school and teachers, but only 6 students who met the criteria were selected. The instruments used included a written test and in-depth interviews. The results showed that students' understanding of the ordering of positive and negative integers is relatively low. Students often face challenges in distinguishing and ordering positive and negative numbers, especially when dealing with number lines or mixed operations. The main factor contributing to students' challenges is a lack of understanding of the basic concepts of integers and their application on the number line. Students sometimes experience confusion regarding the order of numbers due to their incomplete understanding of numerical positions on the number line, as well as the principle of absolute value and the meaning of positive and negative signs. The results of this study are expected to provide a general overview of students' level of understanding and provide recommendations for effective learning strategies to improve their ability to correctly order integers.
Downloads
- Aduko, E. A., & Armah, R. B. (2022). Adapting Bruner’s 3-tier theory to improve teacher trainees’ conceptual knowledge for teaching integers at the basic school. European Journal of Mathematics and Science Education, 3(2), 61-77. https://doi.org/10.12973/ejmse.3.2.61
- Alfarisi, M. A., Dasari, D., Aljupri, & Sikma, Y. (2022). Is integer number difficult for students?: A systematical literature review. In AIP Conference Proceedings (Vol. 2468, No. 1, p. 070030). AIP Publishing LLC. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0102934
- Assmus, D., & Fritzlar, T. (2022). Mathematical creativity and mathematical giftedness in the primary school age range: an interview study on creating figural patterns. ZDM–Mathematics Education, 54(1), 113-131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-022-01328-8
- Barbieri, C. A., Rodrigues, J., Dyson, N., & Jordan, N. C. (2020). Improving fraction understanding in sixth graders with mathematics difficulties: Effects of a number line approach combined with cognitive learning strategies. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(3), 628. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000384
- Bernati, M., Sugiatno, S., & Yani, A. (2018). Peningkatan Kemampuan Pemahaman Matematis Bilangan Bulat Negatif Melalui Pembelajaran Matematika Berstruktur Number Sense Di SMP. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran Khatulistiwa (JPPK), 7(9). s://doi.org/10.26418/jppk.v7i9.28160
- Bostan Sarioglan, A., & Kucukozer, H. (2017). Effect of Meaning Making Approach on Students' Conceptual Understanding: An Examination of Angular Momentum Conservation. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 5(3), 203-220.
- Bryant, D. P., Bryant, B. R., Dougherty, B., Roberts, G., Pfannenstiel, K. H., & Lee, J. (2020). Mathematics performance on integers of students with mathematics difficulties. The Journal of Mathematical Behavior, 58, 100776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmathb.2020.100776
- Cai, J., & Rott, B. (2024). On understanding mathematical problem-posing processes. ZDM–Mathematics Education, 56(1), 61-71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-023-01536-w
- Fuadiah, N. F., & Suryadi, D. (2017). Some Difficulties in Understanding Negative Numbers Faced by Students: A Qualitative Study Applied at Secondary Schools in Indonesia. International Education Studies, 10(1), 24-38.
- Giriansyah, F. E., Pujiastuti, H., & Ihsanudin, I. (2023). Kemampuan pemahaman matematis siswa berdasarkan teori Skemp ditinjau dari gaya belajar. Jurnal Cendekia: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 7(1), 751-765.
- Harun, N. A. J., Cuevas, K. G. A., Asakil, O. I., Alviar, J. V., & Solon, L. J. V. (2023). Assessing Students’ Mastery and Misconceptions in the Fundamental Operations on Integers. International Journal of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, 3(3), 36-55. https://doi.org/10.53378/353000
- Kholid, M. N., Imawati, A., Swastika, A., Maharani, S., & Pradana, L. N. (2021). How are Students’ Conceptual Understanding for Solving Mathematical Problem?. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1776, No. 1, p. 012018). IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1776/1/012018
- Koerfer, E., Polverini, G., Elmgren, M., Eriksson, L. H., Freyhult, L., Herbert, R. B., ... & Eckerdal, A. (2025). Teachers’ conceptions of the role of mathematics in STEM higher education. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 7(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-025-00135-x
- Lin, X., Peng, P., & Zeng, J. (2021). Understanding the relation between mathematics vocabulary and mathematics performance: A meta-analysis. The Elementary School Journal, 121(3), 504-540. https://doi.org/10.1086/712504
- Michelsen, C. (2006). Functions: a modelling tool in mathematics and science. ZDM, 38(3), 269-280. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02652810
- Nachowitz, M. (2018). Intent and enactment: Writing in mathematics for conceptual understanding. Investigations in Mathematics Learning, 11(4), 245–257. https://doi.org/10.1080/19477503.2018.1461051
- Sari, N. P., Yufiarti, Y., & Makmuri, M. (2022). Matematika Realistik Meningkatkan Pemahaman Siswa tentang Konsep Pembagian di Sekolah Dasar. Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran, 6(1), 143-154. https://doi.org/10.23887/jipp.v6i1.32613
- Schoenfeld, A. H. (2022). Why are learning and teaching mathematics so difficult?. In Handbook of cognitive mathematics (pp. 763-797). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03945-4_10
- Schukajlow, S., Kaiser, G., & Stillman, G. (Eds.). (2025). Mathematical Modelling from a Cognitive Perspective. Routledge.
- Sipayung, T. N., & Anzelina, D. (2019). An analysis of students problem solving skills using a realistic mathematics approach on integers materials. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1211, No. 1, p. 012083). IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1211/1/012083
- Sulistyowati, E., Rohman, A., & Hukom, J. (2024). Flipped classroom model: Minimizing gaps in understanding mathematical concepts for students with different academic abilities. European Journal of Mathematics and Science Education, 5(1), 27-37. https://doi.org/10.12973/ejmse.5.1.27
- Wigderson, A. (2019). Mathematics and computation: A theory revolutionizing technology and science. Princeton University Press.
- Wong, T. Y. T. (2021). Components of mathematical competence in middle childhood. Child Development Perspectives, 15(1), 18-23. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12394
- Yulianty, N. (2019). Kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa dengan pendekatan pembelajaran matematika realistik. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika Raflesia, 4(1), 60-65.
- Yunita, A., & Pratiwi, R. W. (2022). Analisis Kesulitan Peserta Didik Dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Bilangan Bulat Kelas VII SMPN 3 Kota Solok. THEOREMS (THE jOuRnal of mathEMatics), 7(2), 163-175. https://doi.org/10.36665/theorems.v7i2.662
Copyright (c) 2025 Alifia Damayanti, Dimas Andhita Cahyo Sujiwo, Frida Murtinasari

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Most read articles by the same author(s)
- Halimatus Sakdiyah, Dimas Andhita Cahyo Sujiwo, Indah Rahayu Panglipur, Analysis of Sudoku Compilation Algorithms: Understanding Number Concepts in Students Special Needs at Extraordinary School , ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review : Vol. 4 No. 4 (2025): September
Similar Articles
- Suci Febhiyanti, Deden Makbuloh, M. Indra Saputra, Flashcard-Based Think-Pair Share Cooperative Learning Model: Interest in Learning Aqidah and Morals , ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review : Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): March
- Laila Maryam Ray, Rara Satri, Sofia Uswatunisa, Syarifah Aini Harahap, How Youtube Assist Teachers in Developing Material? , ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review : Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021): December
- Meyke Pracillia Utami Ahmad, Nurlina Syahrir, Andi Padalia, Representation of Form and Educational Values in Pattuqduq Kumba Dance: Local Cultural Values in the Educational Curriculum , ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review : Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): December
- Nurlina Arisnawati, Rahmatiah Rahmatiah, Andi Indah Yulianti, BIPA Learning Design Based On Buginese Culture , ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review : Vol. 1 No. 4 (2022): September
- Satriani Satriani, Amiruddin Amiruddin, Andi Sakinah, Ahmad Muktamar, Problems of Implementing the Independent Learning Curriculum in the Digital Era , ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review : Vol. 2 No. 4 (2023): September
- Ilham Azis, Yusnadi Yusnadi, Muhammad Qasash Hasyim, The Effectiveness of Interval Training on Endurance Improvement in Adolescent Tennis Players , ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review : Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): December
- Wa Ode Fadhilla Azahra, Asia Ramli, Nurwahidah Nurwahidah, Integrating Character Values in La Kadandio’s Poem within Linda’s Dance: A Hermeneutic Study for Cultural Education , ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review : Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025): December
- Akbar Yusuf, Arifuddin Ahmad, Muh. Sabir Maidin, The Values of Physical Education from the Perspective of the Hadith , ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review : Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): June
- Alexee Jaezhelle C. Pugong, John Rey Osben Pelila, Matin Evony P. Moling, Jocel T. Dolo, Norhana A. Usman, A Scoping Review of Language Programs and Policies in ASEAN Countries , ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review : Vol. 3 No. 2 (2024): March
- Arifuddin Usman, Saharullah Saharullah, Dewi Hapipa Rusli, Muh. Adnan Hudain, Sahabuddin Sahabuddin, Education, Community Participation, and Satisfaction: An Overview of Pakui Sayang Park as an Open Sports Space , ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review : Vol. 3 No. 3 (2024): June
<< < 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 > >>
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.


















